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BARRY WYNN 

OR 

THE ADVENTURES OF A PAGE BOY IN THE 
UNITED STATES CONGRESS 


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Jiairy stood tor a moment undecided winch way to turn 

See page 6 



BARRY WYNN 

OR 

THE ADVENTURES OF A PAGE BOY 
IN THE UNITED STATES 
CONGRESS 


BY 

GEORGE BARTON 

»» 

AUTHOR OF “THE MYSTERY OF CLEVERLY,” “ADVENTURES 
OF THE world’s GREATEST DETECTIVES,” ETC. 

ILLUSTRATED BY 
JOHN HUYBERS 



BOSTON 

SMALL, MAYNARD AND COMPANY 

PUBLISHERS 


Copyright, 191a 

By Small, Maynard and Company 

(incorporated) 

Entered at Stationers' Hall 


THE UNIVERSITY PRESS, CAMBRIDGE, U. S. A. 




©Cl.A30n213 


% 


TO 


HERBERT AND GEORGE 















CONTENTS 


Chapter Page 

I Under the Big Dome i 

II The Naval Repair Station 13 

III The New Page 28 

IV Visions of Greatness 45 

V A Wink and a Nod 56 

VE Hudson Strikes a Snag 70 

VEI Barry Stumbles 87 

VIII An Unexpected Move 100 

IX On the Trail of Joe Hart .... 112 

X Suspense 128 

XI Discord and Defeat 138 

XII Smithers to the Rescue 153 

XIII A Little Pilgrimage 168 

XIV Barry Falls a Second Time .... 183 

XV Barry Redeems Himself 199 

XVI A Call of the House 213 

XVII The Missing Bill 231 

XVEII Rumors of War 243 

XIX Sorely Tempted 252 

XX Hudson Plays Politics 267 

XXI Conway Makes a Hit 279 

XXII Proof Conclusive 287 

XXIII What Barry Overheard 296 

XXIV The Last Stand 309 

XXV A Race Against Time 323 

XXVI The Home Coming 340 















ILLUSTRATIONS 


Barry stood for a moment undecided which way to 

turn See page 6 Frontispiece 

“ I want you to make a solemn promise to me ” . Page 126 

His eyes were never removed from the boy’s face 

for a moment 264 

The young page boy was enjoying it to the fullest „ 332 
See page 331 


BARRY WYNN 

OR 

THE ADVENTURES OF A PAGE BOY IN THE 
UNITED STATES CONGRESS 










BARRY WYNN 


CHAPTER I 

UNDER THE BIG DOME 

Barry Wynn grabbed the rail of the day 
coach of the Washington Express and swung 
himself on to the platform of the car with the 
ease and enthusiasm of a healthy boy of fif- 
teen. The world had suddenly expanded for 
him and he was aglow with life and vitality. 
He had been appointed a page in the National 
House of Representatives, and now, in response 
to a telegram from Congressman Carlton, he 
was about to go to the Capitol to take the oath 
of office and assume the duties of his position. 

His heart was swelling with the thought of 
the big things in the future. He had studied 
the history of his country in the Cleverly 
schools and he had also an intelligent idea of 
the great organization which we call the United 

I 


BARRY WYNN 


States Government. He had not neglected to 
read the debates of Congress in the daily news- 
papers and now he was to be in the midst of 
great events, to be a part of our great central 
law-making machine at Washington. He was 
dwelling on this thought when his attention was 
attracted by a voice from the crowd on the 
platform. 

'' Barry ! Barry ! ’’ it shouted above the puff- 
ing of the locomotive, Wait a minute.’’ 

The call came from Mr. Smithers who had 
been his school teacher and who now was also 
the President of the local Board of Trade. 
Barry leaned over the platform and Mr. 
Smithers, making his way through the throng, 
handed the boy a bulky manilla envelope fast- 
ened with rubber bands. 

‘‘ Give this to Congressman Carlton as soon 
as you arrive in Washington,” he said. 

All right,” replied Barry. 

Be careful with it,” continued the man ; 
'' it contains a matter of vital importance to the 
people of Cleverly.” 


2 


UNDER THE BIG DOME 

'' You can depencl on me/’ was the confident 
response. 

The conductor gave the final warning, the 
bell began to clang, and the train steamed out 
of the station with Barry standing on the plat- 
form waving good-bye to his faithful friends. 
His eyes were so dimmed with tears that could 
not be suppressed that he scarcely recognized 
the upturned faces that were shedding their 
good will upon him in such generous measure. 
One exception to this was his mother. She 
seemed to stand out from the crowd, fluttering 
a little lace handkerchief until the station at 
Cleverly became a mere speck in the distance. 

The journey in itself was uneventful, al- 
though it furnished constant interest and 
amusement for the boy who was about to get 
his first large view of the world. Thoughtful 
ones at home had provided him with a dainty 
box of lunch, and before long he was attacked 
with the pangs of hunger and devoured every 
last scrap of the cake and fruit and sandwiches. 

Finally, after a ride of nine or ten hours the 
3 


BARRY WYNN 


city of Washington began to come in view. 
The outlying section was not very inviting, but 
as the train came near to its destination the 
view improved. A sudden turning of the train 
brought the magnificent dome of the Capitol 
into the range of his vision. Barry gasped with 
wonder and delight. It was as though some 
magician had waved his wand over vacant space 
and suddenly brought the wonderful creation 
into being. In all of the time he was in Wash- 
ington Barry never lost his sense of delight at 
each recurring sight of that noble specimen of 
architecture. To him the solidity and beauty of 
the Capitol seemed symbolic of the strength and 
splendor of the Republic. 

As the train came nearer and nearer to the 
new Union Station the boy was enabled to get a 
closer view of the great structure which stood 
outlined on the horizon in all of its majestic pro- 
portions. He had an instinctive sense of the 
beautiful and the symmetrical pile of marble 
filled him with an unexplainable joy. The main 
building, with its two finely designed wings, 
4 


UNDER THE BIG DOME 


more than realized Barry’s anticipations. But 
it was the dome rather than the Capitol itself, 
which kept him under its magic spell. He felt 
for the first time the full force of the poet’s 
words, that a thing of beauty is a joy for- 
ever.” The vaulted roof of the rotunda, with 
its gradual swelling sprang into the air so 
gracefully that one could hardly look upon it 
as a thing of iron and steel and marble. And 
overtopping it all was the colossal statue of 
Freedom, typifying everything for which the 
Republic was founded and maintained. 

The cry of '' All out for Washington ” 
brought to an end Barry’s meditations, and 
also anounced the fact that he had finally 
reached his destination. He picked up his suit- 
case and hastened out of the train and into the 
great Union Station which burst upon his 
astonished vision like another scene from the 
Arabian Nights. It was so great and so im- 
pressive that it fairly took his breath away. 
In a few minutes he was seated in a trolley car 
and on his way toward the Capitol. He was 
5 


BARRY WYNN 


so eager to see everything that was to be seen 
on the way that he almost twisted his neck out 
of shape. In a very short time the car reached 
the foot of the hill where the great edifice is 
located. When Barry alighted he stood for a 
moment undecided which way to turn. There 
seemed to be all sorts of entrances to the build- 
ing. He chose the nearest one, which led 
him to the basement of the great structure. 
Looking about, he saw an elevator standing 
with the door invitingly open. Without fur- 
ther ado, he hustled into the door. The at- 
tendant turned to him with a smile : 

“ Have you got your credentials ? he asked, 
tauntingly. 

“My credentials,'^ retorted Barry; “what 
do you mean ? " 

“ I simply want to know whether you are a 
member of the Supreme Court." 

“Why?" 

“ Because this elevator is for the exclusive 
use of members of the Supreme Court." 

And so it proved to be. Barry turned aside 
6 


UNDER THE BIG DOME 

a little bit confused at his first lesson in Amer- 
ican democracy. Finally he found an elevator 
that was used by the public. He boarded it 
and in a few minutes found himself standing 
in the centre of the rotunda of the Capitol. It 
is, as most boys are aware, the great hall which 
stands in the centre of the Capitol between the 
House of Representatives and the United States 
Senate. 

Barry set his suitcase on the floor and gazed 
up at the interior of the vast dome, spellbound 
with wonder and delight. The light, coming 
through the windows of the great ceiling, re- 
vealed a wilderness of art. In the very centre 
he beheld the marvelous allegorical fresco called 
the Apotheosis of Washington.’’ Beneath 
this were designs in panels and medallions 
showing Raleigh, Columbus, Cabot, La Salle, 
and the other great characters that Barry had 
studied about in school, and below these he 
gazed on a series of brilliant pictures showing 
scenes in the Revolutionary war. 

How long he remained there in this attitude 
7 


BARRY WYNN 


of wrapt admiration he could not tell, but 
when he glanced down at the floor to look for 
his suitcase, he found that it was gone. He 
rushed over to a gray-coated guide : 

Did you see anything of my suitcase? he 
cried in alarm. 

'' Your suitcase,'' smiled the man; ‘‘ I did n't 
know you had one." 

I had a minute ago," said Barry ; '' I set 
it on the floor here and now it is gone." 

‘‘ Where could it go to if you had it by your 
side ? " 

‘‘ Why, I was looking at the pictures in the 
ceiling," said the agitated boy, '' and someone 
must have crept along and stolen it." 

Well, I did n't see anything of it," was the 
calm response. 

In despair, Barry ran from one person to 
another until the marble space below the dome 
was a scene of unusual excitement. In the 
midst of the agitation a bright-looking, well- 
dressed young man came striding across the 
hallway leading from the House of Represen- 
8 


UNDER THE BIG DOME 


tatives. He noticed the stir, and something 
about Barry’s manner attracted him. He went 
up to the boy and said in kindly tones : 

What ’s the trouble, my son ? ” 

Barry explained as best he could. 

Do you expect to meet someone here ? ” 
asked the stranger. 

'' I do. I was to report to Congressman 
Carlton.” 

Why, I know him well,” was the comment 
of the young man. He is one of my best 
friends. We will have to see if we can’t re- 
cover your suitcase for you.” 

At that moment the alert young man hap- 
pened to see a red-headed youngster peeping 
from behind one of the pillars that sup- 
ported the dome. Instantly he understood the 
situation. 

Joe,” he called, in authoritative tones, 
come here at once.” 

Joe, thus called, responded obediently. The 
stranger took Barry by the arm, and pointing 
to the other, said : 


9 


BARRY WYNN 


This is Mr. Joseph Hart, one of the pages 
of the House of Representatives. Joseph, I 
want you to meet Mr. Barry Wynn, who is to 
become your associate.’’ 

Hello,” said Joe. 

''How are you?” greeted Barry, taking 
the outstretched hand. 

" Joe,” continued the gentleman, " get the 
young man his property.” 

Very sheepishly Joe went behind the pillar 
and, bringing out the suitcase, handed it to 
Barry. 

" Now, I will introduce myself,” said the 
stranger, with an engaging smile. "My name is 
Felix Conway. I am the correspondent of a 
New York newspaper, and if you ever need 
any assistance while you are in Washington, 
don’t fail to call on me.” 

" Thank you,” was the grateful reply, " I 
am not likely to forget you.” 

" Now, Joe,” said the correspondent, turn- 
ing to the second boy again, " why did you take 
Mr. Wynn’s suitcase?” 

lO 


UNDER THE BIG DOME 

Joe gazed at the floor in an embarrassed 
manner for a moment and then, raising his 
head, said defiantly : 

I could n^t help it. He looked so green 
that I simply could n’t resist hiding his 
bag.” 

Well,” said Mr. Conway, if you hope to 
be respected in this world, you ’ll have to resist 
a good many temptations.” 

At this point in the conversation, Congress- 
man Carlton, of all persons in the world, came 
along. He recognized Barry at once, and 
going over, shook his hand warmly. He also 
talked pleasantly with Mr. Conway con- 
cerning matters in which they were both 
interested. 

Barry,” he said, finally, '' I ’m awfully 
busy this afternoon, but I ’m going to put you 
in care of Joe Hart here. He ’ll take you to 
a pleasant boarding-house and see that you 
are properly installed. Report to me here 
in the Capitol at ten o’clock in the morning. 
In the meantime, Joe will post you on 


II 


BARRY WYNN 


your duties. You will find him a very nice 
boy.’’ 

Yes,” said Barry, gazing at Joe somewhat 
skeptically, I suppose I will find him to be 
a very nice boy.” 


12 


CHAPTER II 


THE NAVAL REPAIR STATION 

Mr. Carlton had only gone a few yards when 
Barry suddenly remembered the bulky manilla 
envelope that had been entrusted to his care 
as the train was leaving Cleverly. He ran 
after the Congressman and handed him the 
package. Mr. Carlton opened it in the boy’s 
presence and his eyes lighted with pleasure. 

'' It ’s just what I Ve been waiting for, Con- 
way,” he said to his newspaper friend. 

Good ; then you can present the whole 
business to the Secretary today.” 

Precisely; that’s what I intend to do.” 

'' Suppose you take Barry along with you,” 
suggested the correspondent. 

'' A good idea. I might want to send for 
some papers.” 

Would he know where to go?” asked 

13 


BARRY WYNN 


Conway, laughingly. You know he ’s a 
stranger in a strange land.’’ 

'' That ’s easily fixed,” smiled the Congress- 
man. 

How?” 

We ’ll take Joe along as a guide for 
Barry.” 

The two men and boys boarded a Pennsyl- 
vania Avenue trolley and were soon proceeding 
to the other end of the thoroughfare. 

My boy,” said Mr. Carlton to Barry, ‘‘ I 
think we might as well take you into our 
confidence.” 

Yes, sir.” 

Years ago, when your father and I were 
young men we conceived the idea that the Gov- 
ernment should build a great naval supply sta- 
tion at Cleverly. He even went so far as to 
draw up rough plans. But the time was not 
ripe for it and the notion was abandoned. 
Since your good father’s death there have been 
spasmodic attempts to revive the plan, but they 
never amounted to anything. Now, however, 

14 


THE NAVAL REPAIR STATION 


the conditions are all favorable, and I believe 
that with a little strategy and a great deal of 
industry, I can win the fight and make Cleverly 
a household name in the United States instead 
of a mere speck on the map/’ 

That would be splendid,” cried Barry, his 
eyes glowing with pleasure. 

'' The big secret,” continued the Congress- 
man, is the fact that the Government is now 
ready to act.” 

'' Do you mean that they ’re going to build 
a station at Cleverly ? ” asked Barry, excitedly. 

Mr. Carlton laughed. 

'' No; hardly that. I mean that the officials 
of the Government who have charge of our 
Navy have decided that we need a new Naval 
Repair Station. It remains for Congress to 
say where the station shall be located and to 
appropriate the money to pay for it. Now, I 
think, and Mr. Conway thinks, too, that the 
City of Cleverly can furnish the ideal site for 
this station.” 

'' I don’t suppose,” chimed in the journalist, 

15 


BARRY WYNN 

that Barry can have much interest in the 
subject/' 

'' Yes, I have," exclaimed the boy; '' I think 
it 's real exciting." 

Both men laughed at the boy's enthusiasm. 

'' The excitement," observed the journalist, 
will come when it becomes known that the 
Government intends to build the new station." 

‘‘ When will it become known ? " 

Very soon, I think. Mr. Carlton is going 
to have an interview with the Secretary of the 
Navy this afternoon. A great deal depends on 
the result of that talk." 

Little Joe Hart had been listening to 
the conversation with great intentness. He 
looked up now with a comical twist of the 
mouth. 

'' Mr. Conway," he exclaimed, with mock 
seriousness, you can depend on my support." 

They all laughed heartily at this sally. Mr. 
Carlton turned to the newspaper man : 

'' You see," he said, we have two young 
gentlemen with us already." 

i6 


THE NAVAL REPAIR STATION 


'' Yes/’ was the retort, “ but, unfortunately, 
they have no votes.” 

'' They will have some day,” commented the 
Congressman soberly, and I hope they will 
exercise that power for the good of the 
country.” 

By this time the car had reached the Treas- 
ury Department and was going around the 
massive pile of granite which houses the offi- 
cials and the employees who look after the 
finances of the nation. Mr. Carlton and his 
friends alighted at the next corner and walked 
the remainder of the distance t© their desti- 
nation. They passed the White House, the 
modest looking dwelling which is the home of 
the President of the United States. Barry 
looked at it curiously. 

‘‘What do you think of it?” asked Mr. 
Conway. 

Barry hesitated. 

“ Come out with it,” insisted the journalist. 

“ Well,” said the boy reluctantly, “ it does n’t 
look much.” 


17 


BARRY WYNN 


Mr. Conway laughed. 

That ’s the opinion of most strangers. But 
as you grow older you will realize that it typi- 
fies the strength and simplicity of the people. 
We have wealth enough to give the President 
a palace that would rival the homes of the 
sovereigns of Europe, but, thank goodness, we 
have n’t the desire.” 

The large stone building, which is the head- 
quarters of the State, War and Navy Depart- 
ments, was now in sight. As they walked up 
the high steps of the main entrance, Barry and 
the journalist found themselves temporarily 
separated from Mr. Carlton and Joe Hart. It 
gave Mr. Conway an opportunity of speaking 
of the Congressman. 

He ’s one of nature’s noblemen,” he said, 
fervently. I ’ve been here many years,” he 
added, and I Ve seen public men come and 
go, but I never met a cleaner, abler man than 
John Carlton. Only his modesty has prevented 
him from being the leader of Congress. He ’s 
as clean as a hound’s tooth, but he would no 

i8 


THE NAVAL REPAIR STATION 


more boast of his integrity, than he would 
brag of saying his prayers. He takes it as a 
matter of course. He despises grafters, but 
he also detests self-sufficient reformers who 
are forever flaunting their virtues in the face 
of the public. But,” with a laugh, I 'm afraid 
I ’m talking over your head, Barry.” 

'' Not at all,” retorted the boy. ‘‘ I know 
just what you mean; and, besides I love to 
hear anyone talk about Mr. Carlton. He was 
my father’s best friend. That ’s why he had 
me appointed a page boy. He says it will 
give me a chance to see life and mix with 
big people and that it may lead to something 
better.” 

That ’s true, and I think that even in your 
modest position you may be very useful to 
him.” 

I hope so. He seems very much interested 
in the Naval Repair Station.” 

It ’s the biggest thing he has ever at- 
tempted. If he succeeds the people of Cleverly 
will never forget him. It will mean that he 

19 


BARRY WYNN 


will not have to fight for re-election at the end 
of every two years. In short it will be a monu- 
ment to him.’’ 

At the head of the steps the two were joined 
by Mr. Carlton and Joe Hart. They proceeded 
along the corridor and then up another flight 
of stairs and presently were ushered into the 
oflice of the Secretary of the Navy. The two 
boys seated themselves on a leather covered 
sofa near the door, while the Congressman and 
Mr. Conway walked up to a desk where a 
young man was writing. He greeted them 
pleasantly, took their cards and disappeared 
into a smaller apartment in the rear of the 
large room. He returned in a few moments 
followed by an older man. The newcomer 
hurried over to where the Congressman was 
standing. 

Hello, Carlton,” he cried, cheerily, I ’m 
glad to see you.” 

'' The pleasure is mutual, Mr. Secretary,” 
smiled the statesman. 

‘‘ And you too, Conway,” exclaimed the 


20 


THE NAVAL REPAIR STATION 

cabinet officer, extending his hand to the news- 
paper man. 

The three of them took chairs. The Secre- 
tary looked at his visitors inquiringly. 

What ’s in the wind ? he asked, in his 
affable way. It must be important when a 
Congressman and a journalist call together.’’ 

'' It is,” said Mr. Carlton, soberly. “ It ’s 
about the proposed new Naval Repair Station.” 

'' So that’s got out, has it?” he remarked, 
musingly. 

'' Well, it ’s not exactly public property, but 
we ’ve learned enough to know that Congress 
will take up the matter at this session.” 

Really, it ’s no secret,” admitted the Sec- 
retary, and I ’m frank enough to say that 
we need it very badly at this time. What ’s the 
use of spending millions of dollars in creating 
a first-class Navy unless we keep the battle- 
ships in first-class condition. We have a num- 
ber of good navy yards, but we could use an 
additional Naval Repair Station to great 
advantage.” 


21 


BARRY WYNN 


“ I know that, and I ’m going to offer a bill 
in Congress at an early day.” 

You are? ” 

I am, and I would naturally like to have 
the support of the Department.” 

Of course,” said the Secretary, hesitat- 
ingly, ‘‘ it would be impossible to pledge myself 
in advance.” 

'' I understand that perfectly,” was the 
prompt reply. I have been on the Naval 
Committee of the House long enough to 
know that these things must come up in 
an orderly manner and go through the regular 
channels.” 

‘‘ Certainly, certainly,” echoed the cabinet 
officer, relieved to know that he was not going 
to be asked to depart from the usual method of 
procedure. 

‘‘ I came today,” continued the Congress- 
man, ‘‘ to show you a set of plans that have 
been prepared for a Naval Repair Station at 
Cleverly. I don’t want to go at this matter 

blindly. I want you to look at our papers. Of 
22 


THE NAVAL REPAIR STATION 


course, later on they will be submitted to any 
Board of Experts that you may see fit to 
appoint.” 

I ’m sure that I would be delighted to look 
them over,” was the quick response. 

Thereupon Mr. Carlton drew forth the bulky 
envelope that had been entrusted to Barry on 
his departure from Cleverly. The Secretary 
became interested at once. In order to get a 
better view of the papers the three men walked 
over to a large flat-top table in the centre of the 
room. Here the blue prints were spread out 
and held down with paperweights in order 
that they might be intelligently studied. The 
Congressman, who knew his subject by heart, 
explained the advantages to be gained by locat- 
ing the station at Cleverly. The Secretary 
asked many questions, which were answered 
promptly, satisfactorily and with confidence. 

'' How much of an appropriation did you 
think of asking for? ” 

'' A million dollars,” replied the Congress- 
man. 


23 


BARRY WYNN 


That would not pay the entire cost of the 
station/’ said the Secretary. 

No; but it would answer all present needs. 
Additions could be made from time to time.” 

Presently the Secretary pressed a button and 
a messenger appeared. 

‘‘ Tell the Admiral I would like to see him 
at his convenience,” he said. 

In a few minutes an old gentleman, with 
snow white hair and moustache and ruddy 
cheeks, entered. He was faultlessly, almost 
nattily, dressed and he had an alertness about 
him which suggested that he might have dis- 
covered the fountain of eternal youth, whose 
source had been so vainly sought by the gallant 
Ponce de Leon. 

‘‘ That ’s the Admiral,” whispered Joe to 
Barry from his secluded corner of the leather 
sofa. 

What ? The real Admiral ? ” 

Sure.” 

Where ’s his cocked hat and his sword and 
his uniform? ” 


24 


THE NAVAL REPAIR STATION 


‘‘ Oh, say,’’ cried Joe, disgusted at such evi- 
dent lack of knowledge, '' he does n’t wear 
them in his office.” 

Where does he wear them ? ” 

When he ’s fighting — on the quarter deck 
of his flagship.” 

He does n’t look like a fighter.” 

This was too much for Mr. Joseph Hart. 
He stuffed his handkerchief in his mouth to 
keep from screaming. He butted his head 
against the cushioned back of the sofa, 
and he performed various other silent, but 
none the less effective, gymnastic exercises. 
After he had exhausted his merriment, he 
turned to the Cleverly boy and said, re- 
proachfully : 

Can he fight ? Why that man sunk the 
entire navy of a great European nation in 
about twenty minutes.” 

'' Twenty minutes ? ” gasped Barry, awe 
stricken. 

'' It was less than that,” cried Joe, following 
up his advantage, ‘'it happened this way. 

25 


BARRY WYNN 


The Admiral was taking breakfast in the cabin 
of his vessel with some friends. He took a sip 
of his coffee and then said, ' please excuse me.' 
He went up on deck, and in a few minutes he 
returned to finish his coffee, saying, ' ha, I 'm 
glad that 's done.' " 

What had he done ? " asked Barry. 

Sunk the Spanish navy." 

‘‘ He does n't act like a ferocious man." 

Real fighters never do," said Joe. 

In the meantime the newcomer had joined 
the Secretary of the Navy and had been pre- 
sented to the Congressman and the journalist. 
He was asked to examine the plans. He did so, 
at first in a perfunctory manner. But pres- 
ently he became interested, and went over the 
blue prints with greater care. Finally he began 
to ask questions. 

''Where would you put the dry dock?" he 
queried. 

" Right there," replied the Congressman, 
indicating the spot with the tip of his little 
finger. 


26 


THE NAVAL REPAIR STATION 

This looks as if it might be a fresh water 
basin,” suggested the Admiral. 

It is.” 

And yet you are near the ocean.” 

Within two miles of it.” 

Presently the Admiral finished his inspec- 
tion of the plans. He leaned back in his chair, 
with his eyes half closed. The other three men 
looked at him intently. His expert opinion 
was of the highest value. 

‘‘ Well,” said the Secretary, finally, what 
do you think of it ? ” 

Splendid,” was the reply. It looks as 
if it had been carved by nature for our present 
needs.” 

Five minutes later the Congressman was on 
his way back to the Capitol. He was bubbling 
over with good humor. He put his hand on 
Barry Wynn’s shoulder : 

We Ve got a bully start, Barry,” he said. 

I do believe you ’re going to be my mascot.” 


*7 


CHAPTER III 


THE NEW PAGE 

After a few minutes at the Capitol with Con- 
gressman Carlton, Barry found himself walk- 
ing along the streets of Washington with 
Master Joe Hart, who had graciously volun- 
teered to pilot him to his boarding house, which 
was located on a street radiating from one of 
the avenues surrounding the Treasury Depart- 
ment. It was some distance from the hall of 
the House of Representatives, but as Barry 
desired to see as much of the city as possi- 
ble, they walked instead of taking a trolley 
car. 

The two boys made the trip by way of Penn- 
sylvania Avenue, and at every turn in that 
noble thoroughfare, Barry found himself gasp- 
ing with undisguised admiration. Joe Hart, 
who had lived in Washington for a number 
of years, and who was old in the ways of the 
28 


THE NEW PAGE 


world, seemed greatly amused at the frank as- 
tonishment of his companion; in fact, Master 
Joe indulged in a good deal of sarcasm. He 
told Barry that if he did not stop looking up 
at the buildings, he would get a kink in the 
neck and that would disbar him from the posi- 
tion as page in Congress. He wanted to know 
how crops were coming on down home ; 
whether they were having much rain in Clev- 
erly, and finally asked him if this year’s corn 
would be equal to the kind that was grown 
last year. Barry took all of this with per- 
fect good nature. He realized that Joe was 
worldly-wise, and that his manners were 
not as good as they might be, but something 
about the Washington boy attracted him 
mightily. 

Finally they reached the boarding house. 
It was a three-story brick house with an air 
of genteel decay about it. Joe, who had a 
latch key, walked in without knocking. As 
they passed the parlor an elderly lady, who 
stood at the window, approached them. 

29 


BARRY WYNN 


'' Mrs. Johnson/' said Hart, '' this is Barry 
Wynn, who is to live here for a little while." 

The lady approached Barry with a smile and 
shook hands with him cordially. 

Mr. Carlton has been telling me about 
you," she said graciously, and I think I can 
give you a third story back room that will suit 
your purposes." 

'' Thank you," said Barry. 

“If you will come this way I will show you 
the room." 

The boarding house mistress and the two boys 
walked to the third story and looked at the room 
that had been assigned to Barry. It was plainly 
but neatly furnished. The outlook was very 
pleasant, because for a distance of many blocks 
there were no buildings to obstruct the view, 
and most of the surrounding plots were taste- 
fully laid out in grass and flowers. Barry 
learned later that the cause of this unusually 
luxurious outlook was a public park which was 
almost on the edge of Mrs. Johnson's dwelling. 

“ I can give you this room, with board," said 

30 


THE NEW PAGE 


Mrs. Johnson, interrupting the boy's musings, 
‘‘ for six dollars a week." 

It seemed like a large sum to Barry, but he 
said bravely, and with a show of cheerfulness : 

All right, Mrs. Johnson; I ’ll take it." 

Supper at the Johnson boarding house was a 
very modest meal, and after it was over Barry 
and Joe went out, in order that the new boy 
might have some idea of the national capital 
in the evening. Barry found that the city was 
well paved and well lighted. It was all very 
interesting, but he had traveled a great dis- 
tance that day and the excitement of the occa- 
sion served to add to the fatigue, so that when 
he heard a neighboring clock strike ten, he in- 
timated a desire to go to bed. Joe was quite 
willing, and in a little while the two boys had 
retired for the night. Barry slept soundly, but 
his dreams were a strange mixture of trains, 
and boarding houses, and domes, and page 
boys, and Joe Harts. 

He arose early in the morning very much 
refreshed. He learned that the House of Rep- 

31 


BARRY WYNN 


resentatives would not meet until noon, but at 
the suggestion of his friend and mentor, he 
decided to go to the Capitol early in the day, 
in order to take the oath of office and to get 
acquainted with the duties of a page boy. 

At nine o’clock he found himself in the 
office of the Clerk of the House of Representa- 
tives. The clerk was an elderly gentleman 
with a beard, and he treated Barry very 
kindly. 

'' I Ve heard of you, Wynn,” he said. John 
Carlton says that he wants us to take good care 
of you, and you can wager all you ’re worth 
we are only too glad to do anything that Carl- 
ton desires.” 

Barry bowed and blushed. He did not know 
exactly what to say to this tribute to his friend. 

I suppose,” resumed the clerk, that you 
are ready to be sworn in? ” 

‘'Yes, sir; I am.” 

“ By the way, how old are you? ” asked the 
clerk. 

Barry looked at him in a startled way. 

32 


THE NEW PAGE 


Was he to run up against a snag? His lips 
trembled in spite of himself. 

“ Is there an age limit for page boys? ’’ he 
asked. 

‘'Yes/’ was the response; “under the law, 
they must be over twelve years old.” 

Barry heaved a sigh of relief. 

“ I have just celebrated my fifteenth birth- 
day!” 

“ Good,” was the reply. “ Now, if you will 
hold up your right hand I will administer the 
oath of office.” 

Barry held up his right hand impressively. 

“ Now,” said the clerk, “ repeat what I say.” 

“ All right, sir.” 

Then the clerk recited, and Barry repeated 
the following form : 

“I do solemnly swear that I will support and de- 
fend the Constitution of the United States against 
all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear 
true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take 
this obligation freely, without any mental reservation 
or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faith- 
fully discharge the duties of the office on which I am 
about to enter.” 


33 


BARRY WYNN 


It sounds very solemn, does n^t it ? ’’ com- 
mented Joe Hart. 

It sounds solemn and it is solemn,” said 
the clerk. '' It is the oath that everybody takes 
on entering the service of the United States 
Government. To break that oath, or to fail 
to fulfil its obligations would be little less than 
treason.” 

As they were turning away, Barry suddenly 
remembered something. 

“ Might I inquire how much pay I am to 
receive ? ” 

Certainly,” said the clerk, '' you will re- 
ceive $2.50 a day while Congress is in session.” 

Barry could scarcely believe his ears. He 
had never dreamt that he would receive so 
much money. He mentally calculated what 
this would amount to in the course of a month, 
and then figured out how much money he 
would be able to send his mother after, he had 
paid his board and refunded the money which 
Congressman Carlton had advanced for his 
railroad fare to Washington. The result must 
34 


THE NEW PAGE 


have been gratifying, because his face beamed 
like a new moon. 

After this Joe took Barry through the Cap- 
itol in order that he might become familiar 
with the place. They passed through the cor- 
ridors of the Senate Chamber and then down 
stairs where Joe pointed out the House and 
Senate restaurant. 

‘Hf you are sent to find a member and don’t 
know where to go, always try the restaurant 
first,” said the humorous one. 

Very well,” replied Barry, seriously, I 
will remember what you say.” 

'' Now,” said Joe, with an air of dignity, '' I 
will take you up and introduce you to the 
Speaker of the House.” 

And so he did with all of the assurance in 
the world. The Speaker greeted Barry very 
kindly. He was a benevolent looking gentle- 
man, without any pretense at greatness. He 
shook hands with the boy very cordially. 

'' I am glad to meet you,” he said. ‘‘ I am 
always glad to meet boys. You know,” with 
35 


BARRY WYNN 


a smile, I was once a boy myself. If you 
want to be a success here, be attentive. Make 
up your mind that a member will not have to 
call you twice. Do that and you will be popu- 
lar. Be economical, too. To save is good for 
all boys, and you should try to save most of 
your salary. I am an old man now and I am 
rich, but I can’t help being economical, be- 
cause it has become a habit with me. I might 
go to the finest hotel in the city and eat a heavy 
dinner, but I don’t do it. I go over to a lunch 
place near the Capitol and have a sandwich and 
a glass of milk, and maybe a piece of pie, and 
I am perfectly satisfied. If you are economical 
when you are young, you will acquire all the 
money you need to keep you later on in life, 
and you can acquire it honestly, too, and that 
will^uake you feel very comfortable.” 

‘‘ I think I will make good,” ventured Barry, 
shyly. 

My boy,” said the Speaker, pointing a 
stubby forefinger at him, if you are frugal 
and industrious, you are bound to succeed. 

3b 


THE NEW PAGE 


These are two homely virtues that ought to 
be cultivated by every boy in the land, but un- 
fortunately they are not. You will find as you 
go on in years that contentment does not con- 
sist of great wealth, but rather of few wants. 
Make up your mind that you will have regular 
habits ; that you will take daily exercise ; that 
you will be clean, and that you will be moder- 
ate in all things, and there is nobody in the 
world that can prevent you from being a 
success.” 

I ’m sure I ’ll do the best I can,” said 
Barry. 

“ Of course you will,” cried the Speaker, 
“ but make up your mind that idleness is one 
of the seven deadly sins, and then you will be 
sure to be prosperous and happy.” 

He pulled out his watch and started away. 

“ I ’m afraid that I ’ll have to be going, or 
I won’t be able to get through with my work. 
If I can ever do anything for you, let me 
know.” 

After leaving the Speaker, Barry was pre- 
37 


BARRY WYNN 

sented to the head doorkeeper, who was to be 
his official superior. He did not waste many 
words with the boys. 

'' 1 suppose you’re ready to go to work?” 

Yes,” Barry said, I am.” 

''Well, start in,” he remarked, "and fill 
and clean the ink wells on the desks of the 
members.” 

Barry did not have any false pride, but this 
^ took him somewhat by surprise. Joe’s talk had 
given him the impression that he was to be a 
statesman almost at once, but now he had come 
down to earth and was to fill ink wells. For 
the moment his hope of glory went glimmer- 
ing, but he had the right stuff in him, and he 
was soon at work carrying out the orders of 
his chief. He did it well, too. He polished 
the ink wells until they were spotless, and he 
made sure not to drop any of the ink on the 
desks of the members. He was reassured also 
by the fact that one or two other boys were 
doing the same work. One of them, he no- 
ticed, was doing it very carelessly. 

38 


THE NEW PAGE 


By this time the members began to assemble 
for the daily session. They strolled in the 
various doorways, singly and in groups. Some 
of them went to their desks and began writing; 
others stood in groups chatting and discussing 
subjects in which they were interested. The 
doorkeeper permitted no one to enter except 
members or specially privileged persons. The 
clock pointed to a few minutes of twelve. The 
Speaker ascended to the rostrum and took his 
seat back of the white marble desk, which was 
on a platform about four feet above the floor. 
To the right of his desk was the pedestal which 
bore the famous mace, the symbol of authority. 
It was a bundle of black rods bound with bands 
of silver and surmounted by a silver eagle. 
Barry was informed by his young friend that 
the Sergeant-at-Arms, in executing the orders 
of the Speaker, was required to bear this mace 
aloft before him. 

Glancing up, the new page noticed a number 
of men coming into a gallery directly over the 
Speaker's desk. One of them he recognized as 
39 


BARRY WYNN 


Felix Conway, the journalist who had spoken 
to him so kindly on his first arrival at the Cap- 
itol. He guessed directly that this was the 
press gallery for the reporters who were there 
to take down the proceedings of the House, 
and send them out broadcast to the millions of 
readers of the newspapers all over the United 
States. 

While he was standing there staring at the 
gallery, he was brought to himself by a sound 
from the Speaker’s marble desk. That official 
was tapping his gavel and calling the House 
to order. The proceedings began with a prayer 
by the Chaplain and then the clerk called the 
roll of members. He had scarcely finished 
when there were a flood of bills and petitions. 
For the next half hour Barry was kept busy 
running from one member to another, and re- 
ceiving papers which he handed to the chief 
clerk, who stood at his desk directly beneath 
the platform of the speaker. 

The members called the pages by clapping 
their hands, and if they did not get an imme- 
40 


THE NEW PAGE 


diate response, they clapped their hands two 
or three times in succession. The new page did 
the best he could under the circumstances, and 
he did it very well indeed. After this, bills 
which had been received before and ordered to 
be printed, were taken up in their order on the 
calendar and debated. In the midst of the 
talk one of the members in the rear of the 
House jumped to his feet and cried : 

Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do 
now adjourn.’’ 

Instantly the members were thrown into dis- 
order. Loud voices came from all parts of the 
room. Men talked and gesticulated wildly. 
A member arose and protested against the 
motion. The Speaker looked at him calmly, 
tapped his gavel on the marble desk, and 
said : 

'' The motion to adjourn is not debatable.” 

In the midst of much excitement the clerk 
began calling the roll. 

''Where’s Warrington?” shouted one of 
the members to another, in a stage whisper. 


41 


BARRY WYNN 


For goodness’ sake, get Warrington before 
the clerk reaches the W’s.” 

Barry heard this whisper and he acted on it 
at once. He shot out of the hall down the cor- 
ridor until he came to the stairway which led 
to the House restaurant. A gentleman sat at 
a table eating a sandwich and drinking a glass 
of milk. He had been pointed out to Barry 
earlier in the day as Congressman Warring- 
ton. Barry rushed to him excitedly: 

Mr. Warrington,” he cried, they want 
you in the House at once.” 

This message delivered, he hastened back, 
followed by the member holding a half-eaten 
sandwich in his right hand. The boy turned 
into the hall of the House, the member at 
his very heels. The monotonous drone of 
the clerk’s voice calling the roll could be 
heard. 

'' Mr. Warrington,” he drawled. 

Two members grabbed the bewildered Con- 
gressman as he entered the House. 

Vote ' no,’ ” they cried in chorus. 


42 


THE NEW PAGE 


'' I vote ‘ no/ ’’ called the Congressman in a 
loud, clear tone. 

A burst of applause followed the response. 
Almost immediately the voice of the Speaker 
could be heard. 

The motion to adjourn is lost,'’ he said, 

and the House will continue consideration 
of the General Land Bill.” 

An hour later the House adjourned and 
Barry was surrounded by a number of men 
who patted him on the head and bestowed all 
sorts of compliments on him. Presently the 
Speaker came along and said in an amused 
tone: 

'Hs this the boy that found Warrington?” 

The very same,” was the response. 

The Speaker patted him on the shoulder. 

‘^You're the new boy I met this morning. 
You 've started in right. You will be a great 
statesman some day.” 

What was it all about ? ” said Barry to 
Joe Hart, as they journeyed homeward that 
evening. 


43 


BARRY WYNN 


‘‘ All about? ’’ ejaculated the wise one, ‘‘ why 
you ’re a hero, and you don’t know it. If that 
motion to adjourn had carried, it would have 
defeated one of the most important bills that 
has ever been presented in Congress.” 


44 


CHAPTER IV 


VISIONS OF GREATNESS 

When Barry Wynn and Joe Hart reached 
their Washington home they found Mrs. John- 
son, the landlady, waiting for them. It did 
not take Barry long to discover that Mrs. John- 
son was a very motherly person indeed, and 
one well calculated to take the place of his 
mother during the time that he was compelled 
to be away from home. 

Mrs. Johnson, who was small of stature and 
very neat in appearance, was the widow of a 
clerk in the Treasury Department. She had 
been left with a large family and small means, 
but, being a capable woman, had been able to 
survive a crisis which would have shipwrecked 
the life of a weaker woman. Indeed, she had 
been able to educate her children through the 
profits of her enterprise. She had made a suc- 
45 


BARRY WYNN 


cess of a boarding house, and in Washington 
this is saying a great deal. 

Dinner was served at half-past six in a 
large, airy, and well-lighted dining-room. The 
atmosphere of the place was very pleasant and 
homelike. A big glass dish, filled with apple 
butter, stood in the centre of the table, and the 
mere sight of it filled Barry^s mind with mem- 
ories of home. The table was covered with 
clean linen and held a vase of freshly cut 
flowers. The dinner itself was good. The 
food was plain but wholesome, and the guests 
were all very friendly with Barry. There 
were nine or ten in all ; three of the ladies were 
school teachers in the District of Columbia; 
two of the men were clerks in the Treasury 
Department, and another one held a position 
in the Patent Office. He was a very lively 
talker, and he managed to keep the guests at 
the table in a roar of laughter with the funny 
incidents which came to his attention in the 
course of the day's work. 

After dinner most of the guests assembled 
46 


VISIONS OF GREATNESS 


in the large parlor and talked and chatted with 
all of the freedom that one usually finds in an 
affectionate family circle. One of the school 
teachers played the piano, while the Patent 
Office clerk, who had a good voice, treated his 
fellow guests to several selections from the 
popular songs of the day. It was all very 
chummy and very homelike, and Barry, who 
had feared that he might feel like a stranger 
in a strange land was, on the contrary, quite 
comfortable in his new home. 

During the course of the evening Mrs. John- 
son had a long conversation with him and asked 
him all sorts of questions concerning his home 
and his mother. She was very much interested 
in his replies and promised that when he re- 
turned home Mrs. Wynn would never have any 
cause to regret his selection of a boarding 
house in Washington. Barry’s reference to 
his mother’s widowhood brought tears to Mrs. 
Johnson’s eyes. 

'' I had splendid prospects myself once,” she 
said, ''but the sudden and unexpected death 
47 


BARRY WYNN 


of my husband dashed them to the ground and 
put me to the necessity of earning a living for 
myself and children. I thank a kind Provi- 
dence that I have been successful, but the 
struggle has been a severe one and I know that 
it has aged me very much.’’ 

I noticed a picture of President Garfield 
in the hallway,” said Barry. Did you know 
him?” 

'' He was one of our best friends,” said the 
widow. My husband was a classmate of 
President Garfield at Hiram College, and was 
one of his friends and supporters in nearly all 
of his political campaigns. After the General 
became President, one of his first acts was to 
appoint my husband a clerk in the Treasury 
Department. That was intended as a begin- 
ning. We both knew that he was to be pro- 
moted to a more important position as soon 
as possible, but Death intervened and that 
ended it all. However, the friendship of the 
President was deeply appreciated by John and 
myself. He called on us one day soon after he 
48 


VISIONS OF GREATNESS 


was inaugurated, and he was the same big- 
hearted, unaffected friend that we had known 
in Ohio. I could not help but think of him 
tonight at dinner. On the occasion of his call 
there was a big bowl of apple butter on the 
table. He called for a helping of home-made 
bread and then, in his big, boyish way, started 
in and ate the bread and the apple butter. He 
said that it reminded him of the days when 
he worked on the farm.” 

At about ten o’clock, during a lull in the 
conversation, Barry managed to leave the par- 
lor unobserved and hurried up to his modest 
little bedroom. He had two reasons for doing 
this: the first was his desire to write a letter 
to his mother, and the second was the need 
which he felt for a good night’s rest. He lit 
the gas, and was pleased to find a desk in the 
room with pen, ink and paper. On the first 
night he had only got a glimpse of his new 
quarters, and he now looked around and was 
delighted with the cozy appearance of his 
apartment. It was perfectly clean; the paint 
49 


BARRY WYNN 


seemed fresh, and the paper was new. Two 
or three tastefully framed pictures adorned 
the walls, and an iron bedstead in the corner 
of the room was covered with a counterpane 
that was as white as snow. 

Barry seated himself at the desk and started 
the letter to his mother. He had so much to 
tell that he scarcely knew where to begin, but 
presently his pen began to scratch the paper 
and he was fairly started. At intervals he 
paused and bit the end of the penholder, or 
scratched his head, or gazed up at the ceiling, 
in his efforts to think of the proper word that 
he should use in his correspondence. It proved 
to be quite a lengthy letter. He told his mother 
all that happened from the time he reached 
Washington until the moment he had begun 
his epistle. He told her about Congressman 
Carlton, Felix Conway, the journalist, Mrs. 
Johnson, his kind landlady, and last, but not 
least, he related all that he was able to tell 
about Joe Hart, his fellow page. 

After he had concluded he sealed and 

50 


VISIONS OF GREATNESS 


stamped the letter and carried it out and 
dropped it in a letter box at the corner of the 
street. He was about to prepare to go to bed 
on his return, when his attention was attracted 
by a modest-looking shelf in one corner of the 
room. His love for reading caused him to 
make a closer examination. He found that 
one shelf contained a copy of the Bible, a set 
of Shakespeare in one big volume, a history 
of the United States, a Congressional direc- 
tory, a condensed history of the nations, and 
a life of James A. Garfield, the martyred Pres- 
ident of the United States. It seemed to Barry, 
young as he was, that these six volumes might 
be said to contain a liberal education in 
themselves. 

Every one of them was worth careful 
perusal, but boy-like, he turned to the life of 
Garfield and began to skim it over. Before 
he realized it he was thoroughly absorbed in 
the volume. He read of the boy who was 
born in poverty, and who, through his own 
efforts, had risen to the highest position in the 

51 


BARRY WYNN 


gift of the American people. The story was 
a reality to Barry Wynn. He could see young 
Garfield when he was scarcely twelve years 
of age, driving. in the cattle, carrying wood, 
hoeing potatoes, building fires, and doing what- 
ever else there was for willing hands to do. 
He could see the future President lying flat on 
the floor of the barn, reading the life of 
Napoleon, and he could see that same boy ex- 
claiming to his mother with youthful enthu- 
siasm : '' Mother, when I get to be a man, I 'm 
going to be a soldier,” and then later on in the 
book, he read about the boy, after he reached 
manhood, who became one of the bravest sol- 
diers in the Civil War. 

But the most interesting part of the magic 
volume, so far as Barry was concerned, were 
the pages that told of the future President of 
the United States working as a mule driver 
on the narrow banks of the canal. Young Gar- 
field once thought that he would like to become 
a pirate, but as his reasoning powers became 
stronger, he discarded this romantic idea and 
52 


VISIONS OF GREATNESS 


settled down to the unpoetic work of everyday 
life, and although he did not become a pirate, 
he managed to secure employment on a canal 
boat in his own State, and during his first 
night’s work became involved in a quarrel with 
a bully of a deck hand, and thrashed the fellow 
within an inch of his life. After that, James 
A. Garfield went to school for a while, and 
finally became a student in Hiram College, 
Ohio. Later he was promoted to the proud 
position of a teacher in the institution in which 
he had started as a pupil. Barry read on and 
on, following his hero from one position to 
another, until he reached the Presidency, 
only to -become the victim of an assassin’s 
bullet. 

Finally Barry reached the last page of this 
wonderful book, and he laid it down with a 
sigh of relief and yet of regret. He happened 
to glance at the small clock which was ticking 
on the mantle. It pointed to fifteen minutes 
of two in the morning. It startled the boy. 
He had no idea that the time had passed so 
53 


BARRY WYNN 


rapidly. He undressed quickly and put out 
the light, and was just about to jump into bed 
when he heard the sound of footsteps in the 
hallway. He opened his door cautiously and 
as he did so he saw Joe Hart going into his 
room on the other side of the corridor. Barry 
was too sleepy to feel very inquisitive, but in 
a vague sort of way, he thought that Joe Hart 
was certainly keeping very bad hours. 

After that he threw himself into bed. He 
lay thinking for some time. The thought of 
the book he had just read kept running through 
his mind. One sentence in it came to him as 
clearly as if it had been committed to memory. 
It was an extract from an address which Gar- 
field had delivered to the students at Hiram 
College. The President, on that occasion, had 
said : 

‘‘ Poverty is uncomfortable, as I can testify, but 
nine times out of ten the best thing that can happen 
to a young man is to be tossed overboard and com- 
pelled to sink or swim for himself. In all my ac- 
quaintance I never knew a man to be drowned who 
was worth saving.’’ 


54 


VISIONS OF GREATNESS 


Barry felt, in an incoherent, drowsy way, 
that he had been tossed overboard. He 
wondered whether he could sink or swim, 
but before the answer came he was sound 
asleep. 


55 


CHAPTER V 


A WINK AND A NOD 

At breakfast the next morning Mrs. John- 
son informed Barry that Congressman Carlton 
had sent a message to the house requesting 
that he call at his office as early as possible that 
day. The boy hurried through his meal and 
in a few minutes was swinging down Pennsyl- 
vania Avenue on his way to the Capitol. De- 
spite his hurry, his eye lingered on the various 
edifices which were springing up on either side 
indicating the beautiful city in store for future 
generations. Indeed, the charm of Washing- 
ton always remained fresh in Barry’s mind. 

He learned that Mr. Carlton had his head- 
quarters in the new office building of the House 
of Representatives, which was but a stone’s 
throw from the Capitol. In a few minutes the 
boy was tapping timidly at the door opening 
from one of the marble corridors of the sub- 
56 


A WINK AND A NOD 

stantial building. There was no response and 
he turned the knob and walked in. He found 
that he was in a suite of rooms, and through 
the door he could see the Congressman seated 
at his desk in another room. 

He paused a moment before announcing 
himself. John Carlton, absorbed in the work 
before him, presented an interesting study. 
His smooth-shaven face was most attractive, 
and even in the privacy of his room he did not 
lose that appearance of authority which is 
carried so well by men who mix in the practical 
affairs of life. A half smile hovered about his 
lips, but at that very moment a kind of sadness 
showed itself in his eyes. He was a combina- 
tion of the man of imagination and the man of 
the practical world. As he laid down the letter 
which he had been reading, he raised his eyes 
and saw the boy standing in the doorway. 

'' Come in, Barry,’’ he exclaimed. '' Come 
in and let me get a good look at you.” 

The new page walked in and stood before 
the desk very modestly. 

57 


BARRY WYNN 


'' I suppose/’ said the Congressman, that 
you are feeling very big this morning? ” 
Barry looked at him in surprise. 

Why, no,” he said, “ I don’t quite under- 
stand you, Mr. Carlton.” 

The legislator lay back in his chair and 
laughed with undisguised enjoyment. 

“ I am glad of it. I am heartily glad of it,” 
he said. It proves that there is one person 
in Washington who is not likely to be afflicted 
with the awful disease which goes down here 
under the name of ‘ swelled head.’ ” 

The boy’s eyes were globular with wonder. 

'' I don’t suppose you know what I am talk- 
ing about, Barry, do you ? ” 

‘‘ No,” was the simple response, I do not.” 
'' Well, I ’ll tell you,” said the Congressman, 
speaking very slowly. You came mighty 
near making yourself famous in the House 
yesterday. Your alacrity in bringing War- 
rington to us was the means of saving a very 
important bill. If he had not come at the time 
he did, the measure would have been delayed 
58 


A WINK AND A NOD 


and probably beaten. As it was, you helped 
us to win the day. The measure, that is now 
sure of success, gives the President of the 
United States the right to withdraw certain 
public lands for the benefit of future genera- 
tions. It is a part of what is popularly known 
as the Conservation Movement.’’ 

'' I am glad that I was useful,” said 
Barry. 

'' You are not half so glad as I am,” said the 
Congressman, and I am delighted to know 
that you take it so sensibly. You simply did 
your duty, and if you continue to do your duty 
in this modest sort of way I know that you 
will be a success.” 

The telephone bell rang and Mr. Carlton 
answered it. As he hung up the receiver the 
boy said : 

'' I was told that you wanted to see me this 
morning.” 

Yes,” said Mr. Carlton, drumming on his 
desk with his finger tips. Barry, can you 
work the typewriter ? ” 


59 


BARRY WYNN 


Yes, sir; and I have a good knowledge of 
stenography, too/’ 

'' Well,” was the response, I suppose it 
may sound a little sentimental, but I have 
written the bill to make an appropriation for 
the new Naval Repair Station at Cleverly, and 
I want you to run it off on the typewriter. You 
know very well the feeling I had towards your 
father, and I would like to be able to say that 
you wrote the bill for this big improvement in 
your native town. It ’s not much, I know, but 
I thought you might like it.” 

Barry’s eyes were glistening. He spoke 
eagerly : 

I think it ’s just fine, Mr. Carlton, and I 
want to assure you that I appreciate it very 
much indeed.” 

Without further ado, Mr. Carlton gave him 
the manuscript copy of the bill, and Barry, 
going to a typewriter in a corner of the room, 
began to transcribe the document. While 
Barry was at work on the machine Mr. Carl- 
ton began the task of going through his mail. 

6o 


A WINK AND A NOD 


It was no easy job, for there were probably a 
hundred letters on his desk and that merely 
represented one day’s crop. He ran an opener 
through one envelope after another and re- 
marked casually as he did so: 

“ I am waiting for my secretary, Barry. I 
don’t know what keeps him so late.” 

At that moment the door opened and the 
tall, spare form of Felix Conway, the journal- 
ist, entered the room. Mr. Carlton pretended 
to frown: 

'' You ’re late, sir.” 

'' Yes, sir,” was the reply, with mock hu- 
mility. '' I ’m sorry to say, sir, that I overslept 
myself, sir.” 

At this both men burst into laughter. Barry 
was so interested and so surprised that he for- 
got to run his typewriter. Mr. Carlton turned 
and noticed the look of amazement on the boy’s 
face. 

It ’s all right, Barry,” he exclaimed. 

Mr. Conway is not actually my secretary, 
but he has consented to act the part for the 

6i 


BARRY WYNN 


next few weeks. My real secretary is ill, and 
I was in dire need of someone who understood 
legislative and departmental matters when Mr. 
Conway was good enough to step in and help 
me out in the emergency.’’ 

Yes,” laughed the journalist, '' and in help- 
ing you out, I will only be repaying, in a small 
measure, the many kindnesses you have shown 
me since I came to Washington.” 

Barry worked slowly on the typewriter, be- 
cause he was anxious to have his first piece of 
work as accurate as possible, and besides the 
fact that the Congressman and Mr. Conway 
were engaged in conversation distracted him 
more or less from the task in hand. He could 
not help but overhear the talk that passed be- 
tween the two men. 

For instance, Mr. Carlton pulled a letter 
from an envelope and after reading it, passed 
it over to the volunteer secretary. 

Here ’s a man who wants a pass from Bos- 
ton to Cleverly,” he said. '' Tell him the new 
Interstate Commerce law forbids the issuance 
62 


A WINK AND A NOD 


of passes, and that if the railroad granted his 
request, the officers of the corporation would 
be liable to a fine and imprisonment/’ 

The journalist laughed at the sarcasm of the 
statesman. 

I guess the constituent who wrote that 
letter must have been asleep for the last two 
years,” he commented. He don’t seem to 
have kept up with the procession.” 

Mr. Carlton nodded in assent and handed 
another letter to the newspaper man. 

Here ’s a communication from a constitu- 
ent in the country. He applies for seed. Send 
it to the Agricultural Department with my 
endorsement.” 

Mr. Conway noted the instructions on a 
corner of the envelope, using a sort of short- 
hand that was all his own. 

After this came a letter from an inventive 
genius, who had a flying machine which he 
wished to have adopted by the United States 
Army. It was referred to the Secretary of 
War. There were twenty or thirty letters ask- 

63 


BARRY WYNN 


ing for information of bills that were pending. 
They were laid aside to be answered in their 
turn. Finally they reached a communication 
from a poor widow who was applying for a 
pension. Mr. Carlton carefully deciphered the 
uncertain handwriting and then said to his 
assistant : 

Felix, I wish you would take this up in 
person with the head of the Pension Bureau. 
I think the woman deserves consideration. 
Her husband served his country in its hour of 
need, and this nation is too great to neglect 
those who have risked their lives in its service.’’ 

'' Have you anything else? ” asked the young 
man. 

Yes,” was the reply, ‘‘ here is a five-page 
letter.” 

What is it?” 

It is from a man who wants me to get 
the Army to purchase a new kind of saddle 
that he has constructed.” 

What shall I say to him? ” 

Tell him that I ’m not a salesman.” 

64 


A WINK AND A NOD 


Felix Conway gathered up the pile of letters 
and went into an ante-room for the purpose of 
dictating suitable replies to a waiting stenog- 
rapher. The Congressman, in the meantime, 
looked at Barry with a benevolent smile, and 
said: 

‘‘ Barry, you have just had a glimpse of a 
part of the work that falls to the lot of an 
active member of Congress. You will see 
from this that the job of being a statesman 
is not a sinecure. In fact, it is very hard work, 
and I am sorry to say that some of the voters 
look upon the members of Congress as errand 
boys, whose sole time should be devoted to 
carrying messages to the various heads of 
Departments.’’ 

''That is not all the work, either?” asked 
Barry. 

" Not by any means; the most exacting work 
that falls to the lot of a member is that of 
discussing and digesting proposed legislation 
when it comes before the various Committees 
of the House.” 


65 


BARRY WYNN 


By this time Barry had finished making his 
copy of the bill providing for the new Federal 
building in Cleverly. He handed it to Mr. 
Carlton, who read it over very carefully. He 
made one or two minor corrections, and then 
said he was very much pleased with the work. 

The Congressman laid the bill down on the 
desk, and was about to turn to some other work 
when there was a tap on the door and two 
gentlemen entered the room. One of them was 
a little man, dressed in black, and wearing a 
white linen bow tie. He wore side whiskers 
and had a peculiar expression. Barry looked 
at him the second time, and then discovered 
that his face was really conventional, and that 
its unusual expression was caused by the queer 
drooping of the eyelid of the left eye. The 
man who accompanied him was a tall, sallow- 
faced, loose- jointed person, who gazed stead- 
fastly at the floor. Mr. Carlton arose at once 
and greeted both men heartily. The little man 
gave him a quick grasp of the hand in reply, 
while the sallow-faced person said Good 
66 


A WINK AND A NOD 


morning ’’ without looking at his host. They 
talked in whispers for a few minutes and then 
Mr. Carlton called Barry over to him. 

‘‘ Barry/’ he said, indicating the little man 
in black, ‘‘ I want you to meet the Hon. Jesse 
Hudson. Mr. Hudson is one of my colleagues, 
a member of the House of Representatives.” 

Then, turning to Hudson, he said : 

‘‘ This boy comes from my native town. He 
is the son of one of my oldest friends. I have 
made him a page in the House, and if you ever 
get an opportunity to help him, I wish you 
would do so.” 

Congressman Hudson took Barry’s hand 
with that quick, convulsive movement which 
seemed to be one of his characteristics, and 
said: 

Glad to meet you. If you ever need any- 
thing call on me.” 

After this Barry was presented to the sallow- 
faced man, who proved to be Mr. Joel Phipps, 
who was the clerk to the Committee on Naval 
Affairs. 


67 


BARRY WYNN 


As the general conversation was resumed, 
Barry withdrew and took his seat in the 
corner of the room. Just as they were 
about to leave, Congressman Carlton said 
suddenly : 

By the way, Hudson, I am going to intro- 
duce a bill in the House in a few days to appro- 
priate a million dollars for a Naval Repair 
Station at Cleverly. I know that you are a 
member of the Committee on Naval Affairs, 
and I wish you would help me to put this 
measure through. We need it and it ’s a just 
and proper appropriation.” 

Mr. Carlton stooped down to pick up a paper, 
when Congressman Hudson, turning to the 
clerk, said: 

Oh, we will help you with it, won’t we, 
Joel?” 

As he said this he deliberately winked at the 
sallow-faced man, and in return he nodded and 
replied : 

Yes, certainly we will help Mr. Carlton.” 

And after that they both withdrew. As the 
68 


A WINK AND A NOD 

door closed Mr. Carlton turned to the boy and 
said : 

Those are good people to know, Barry. 
Both the Congressman and the clerk have con- 
siderable influence in legislation and they have 
the power to either help or hurt you.” 

‘‘ I suppose they have,” responded Barry. 

He longed to tell his friend of the sign that 
had passed between the two men, but he was 
afraid that if he mentioned it, Mr. Carlton 
might think that he was very presumptuous. 
Besides that, he thought that possibly he might 
have been mistaken. However, he said finally, 
with a great deal of diffidence : 

I can’t say, Mr. Carlton, that I am very 
much attracted by either of those men.” 

‘‘Well, Barry,” said the Congressman, a 
little coldly, “ you must take people as you 
find them in this world, and not as you 
think they should be.” 

All the same, Barry did not relish the recol- 
lections of the wink that had passed between 
the two men. 


69 


CHAPTER VI 


HUDSON STRIKES A SNAG 

Joe Hart went to great pains to show his 
growing regard for Barry. He instructed him 
in his work as page and pointed out various 
ways of making himself useful to the members 
of Congress. One of these ways was to 
familiarize himself with the numerous public 
documents issued by the Government. Every 
member, said Joe, had calls for bills and re- 
ports from time to time, and if a page boy 
could tell a member where to put his hands on 
a certain paper at a given time, the value of 
the page would be immensely enhanced in the 
eyes of the member. Barry took the advice to 
heart and determined to profit thereby. 

One morning, when Barry was on his way 
to the Capitol, it occurred to him that it would 
be a good thing to call upon Congressman Carl- 
ton and ascertain whether there was anything 
70 


HUDSON STRIKES A SNAG 


he could do for him. He found the Congress- 
man at his desk in his office immersed in a 
great heap of correspondence that was before 
him. 

Good morning, Mr. Carlton,'' said Barry. 

I don't want to disturb you. I just dropped 
in to ask whether there was anything I 
could do for you before I went to the 
House." 

The Congressman paused for a moment and 
looked at Barry, while he tried to recall some 
particular thing that he was very anxious to 
have done. It came to him quickly. 

By George! " he exclaimed; you 're the 
very boy I want. There 's a big pile of Com- 
mittee Reports in the next room that I would 
like to have sorted out and piled up in regular 
order. I have no doubt that most of 'em are 
only fit for the furnace, but I 'm afraid to de- 
stroy any of 'em for fear that I may burn the 
very documents I need." 

Barry's eyes sparkled. 

I 'll be delighted to undertake the job, Mr. 

71 


BARRY WYNN 


Carlton/' he said. '' It 's something I 'm in- 
terested in, anyhow." 

The Congressman stared at the boy. 

''Interested? What do you mean?" 

"Oh, nothing; except that Joe Hart tells 
me that I should become familiar with 
public documents of all kinds in order to 
increase my usefulness to members of 
Congress." 

The Congressman clapped his hands on his 
flat top desk with quiet delight. 

" Bully for you! If you continue in this way 
there 's no telling where you may land. You 
know every boy in this country has a right to 
aspire even to the Presidency." 

Barry reddened with embarrassment. 

" Oh, Mr. Carlton, I never dreamed of any- 
thing like that." 

" Of course, you have n't. No healthy boy 
ever really expects to reach such a great honor 
as that, but you can aspire to other big things. 
One of the oldest members of the Senate served 
in the position that you hold now, while a half 
72 


HUDSON STRIKES A SNAG 


dozen members of the House were pages at 
your age/’ 

‘‘ Well,” said Barry, with boyish confidence, 
'' I am certainly going to try to amount to 
something.” 

Very good,” said the Congressman, and 
he dismissed the boy with a wave of the hand. 

Now, you go into the other room and see 
what you can do with that old junk.” 

Barry went to work with a will. He found 
that he had a pretty big job ahead of him, but 
he went at it systematically and resolutely. He 
took the reports according to dates and piled 
them up in little heaps in the order of the 
months and the years in which they had been 
printed. Occasionally he was attracted by the 
heading of some of the documents, and in one 
or two instances he was so interested that he 
read the reports from beginning to end. In 
this way several hours passed, and looking up 
at the clock, he discovered that it was twenty 
minutes of twelve. He realized that he had 
just about enough time to get over to the 
73 


BARRY WYNN 


House and to report for duty. He was about 
to go in and speak to Mr. Carlton when he 
heard the door open and someone came into 
the Congressman’s room. The gentleman 
spoke to Mr. Carlton. Barry recognized the 
voice at once. It was that of the Hon. Jesse 
Hudson. 

'' Hello, Carlton,” said Hudson, when are 
you going to introduce that bill for a Naval 
Repair Station in your town? ” 

'' I ’m going to do it soon,” said Carl- 
ton. It ’s pretty nearly in shape for pre- 
sentation.” 

Good,” was the response. '' You can count 
on my help in getting it through the Committee. 
If you meet with any obstacles, just come to 
me and I will be glad to give you a lift. Are 
you going over to the House ? ” 

'' Not for a few minutes,” was the response. 

I ’ve a couple of telegrams that I want to 
send out before I leave here.” 

'' All right ; I ’ll go over alone then. By 
the way,” he continued, as he paused at the 
74 


HUDSON STRIKES A SNAG 


door, '' I Ve got a measure coming up 
today, and I 'd like you to help me get it 
through.” 

What is it? ” asked Carlton. 

“ It is known as the Garner claim. A family 
in my district had their property destroyed 
during the Civil War. It seems that the Fed- 
eral troops occupied their house and barn and 
when they got through with them they were 
practically ruined.” 

'' What is the bill for ? ” asked Carlton. 

'' It is to reimburse the heirs for their loss. 
It calls for an appropriation of $96,000. It 
should have been paid long ago ! ” 

''Who are the heirs? The children of the 
claimant ? ” 

" No, not the children, but some of their 
relatives.” 

" Is it all right, Hudson ? ” 

" Sure, it ’s all right.” 

" Well,” was the slow response, " if it ’s a 
fair bill, I suppose I will have to turn in and 
vote for it, but I don’t like to support these 
75 


BARRY WYNN 

claims for damages without knowing all about 
them/’ 

“ Oh, it ’s all right,” was the confident re- 
sponse ; ‘‘ I ’ll see you later. Good-bye.” 

As he swung out of the room Felix Conway, 
the journalist, walked in. 

‘'Hello, Felix,” exclaimed Carlton. “You’re 
just the man I want to see. You know every- 
thing, don’t you? ” 

The newspaper correspondent shook his 
head and said, smilingly: 

“No, not everything — nearly everything.” 

“ Well,” said Carlton, “ I ’d like to know 
what you can tell me about the Garner claim. 
It calls for an appropriation of $96,000 
to repay certain heirs of the Garner family 
for property destroyed during the Civil 
War.” 

The journalist looked blankly at the Con- 
gressman. 

“ Blest if I know a thing about it. It ’s the 
first I ’ve heard of it.” 

“ I ’m awfully sorry,” said the Congressman, 
76 


HUDSON STRIKES A SNAG 


'' because I ’m anxious to get some of the facts 
in the case.” 

As Felix Conway left the room Barry Wynn 
emerged from the little apartment where he 
had been sorting out and piling up the public 
documents. 

'' Mr. Carlton,” he said, timidly, '' I could n't 
help overhearing your conversation with Mr. 
Hudson and Mr. Conway. You were speaking 
to them about the Garner claim.” 

''I was, indeed,” was the response. ''You 
don't mean to tell me that you know anything 
about it? ” 

" Yes,” was the hesitating reply, " I know a 
little about it.” 

"When did you hear of it?” was the sur- 
prised question. 

" The first I heard of it was when Mr. Hud- 
son came in,” replied Barry, " but I read about 
it an hour ago.” 

" Read about it? ” 

"Yes; when I was going through those 
old papers I found a report from the 
77 


BARRY WYNN 

House Committee concerning the Garner 
claim/’ 

Carlton’s eyes glistened. 

‘‘Where is it? Where is it? Let me have 
it.” 

Barry went into the other room and came out 
again in a few moments with a small public 
document. 

Mr. Carlton seized it eagerly and read the 
heading : 

“ Report of the House Committee concerning a 
claim of the heirs of Samuel Gamer for damages sus- 
tained to their property during the War of the 
Rebellion.’’ 

That was enough for him. He sat back in 
his chair and read the document from start to 
finish. It was an adverse report. The docu- 
ment was ten years old, but the Committee that 
had been entrusted with the investigation of 
the matter reported that the claim was a very 
doubtful one, and that in any event the heirs 
should be compelled to go into court for the 
purpose of obtaining relief. 

Carlton stuffed the report in his inside 
78 


HUDSON STRIKES A SNAG 

pocket, and slapping Barry on the back, 
said: 

'' Barry, you Ve done me a great f^vor/’ 

Ten minutes later Carlton was at his desk in 
the House of Representatives, and Barry was 
standing by the desk of the chief clerk, wait- 
ing for the proceedings of the day to begin. 
At the stroke of twelve the Speaker brought 
his gavel down on the top of the marble block 
before him and called the House to order. The 
Chaplain made a brief prayer, and then the 
members from all parts of the great hall began 
rising in their places and presenting bills. The 
pages ran up one aisle and down another, with 
bills fluttering in their hands, rushing and 
laughing and tumbling about like so many little 
imps. Barry kept his eye on Mr. Carlton, and 
when that gentleman rose in his seat, made a 
mad rush in his direction. 

The Gentleman from Maine,’' called the 
Speaker, in a loud tone. 

Whereupon Mr. Carlton presented a number 
of minor bills. Barry was at his elbow, and tak- 
79 


BARRY WYNN 


ing the papers hurried to the Speaker’s platform 
and had the satisfaction of seeing the bills re- 
ferred to the various Committees of the House. 

After his measures had been safely disposed 
of, John Carlton made a search for Jesse Hud- 
son. He had determined to inform him that 
he would not support the bill in favor of the 
Garner heirs. When he reached Hudson’s 
seat, he found that gentleman busily engaged 
in conversation with another man, but that 
did not deter him. He broke in between the 
two and said : 

'' Hudson, I ’d like to speak to you for a 
moment.” 

The other frowned and waved his hand, 
saying : 

'' You will have to excuse me. I am very 
busy at present.” 

Carlton walked back to his own seat very 
much dissatisfied. Fifteen minutes later he 
noticed that Hudson was disengaged and 
walked over in his direction. The moment 
Hudson saw him, however, he slipped out of 
8o 


HUDSON STRIKES A SNAG 

his seat and left the House. The inference was 
obvious. Hudson was trying to evade Carl- 
ton. The business of the House continued for 
about half an hour and then the clerk, in sten- 
torian tones, announced that the next business 
in order was the consideration of the bill grant- 
ing relief to the heirs of Samuel Garner. Hud- 
son was in his seat. Carlton grasped the op- 
portunity and was by his side in an instant. 

'' Hudson,’' he said, I Ve been trying to 
reach you all morning to tell you that I can’t 
support — ” 

'' Don’t talk to me now,” cried the other, im- 
patiently. '' Don’t you see that I ’m busy? ” 

“ You can’t be too busy to talk business,” was 
the angry retort. I want you to know that I 
can’t support your Garner bill. I ’m simply 
telling you this, so that you can be under no 
false impressions in the matter.” 

Why, what ’s the matter ? ” asked Hudson, 
simulating a look of surprise. 

'' Well, I ’m sorry to say the matter is that 
I don’t think it ’s a fit bill to vote for.” 

8i 


BARRY WYNN 


“ What do you mean? ” 

“ Just what I say. After you left me this 
morning, I got a report of the House Com- 
mittee that was made nearly ten years ago, 
and it seems very conclusive to me — so con- 
clusive that I Ve made up my mind to fight 
your bill.” 

'' Oh, you ’re splitting hairs,” cried Hudson, 
in a tone of annoyance. 

'' Well, you can give it any name you like.” 

'' But, see here, Carlton,” cried Hudson, 
eagerly, I won’t ask you to vote for it if you 
don’t feel like doing so; but promise me one 
thing.” 

‘‘What ’s that?” 

“ Don’t make a speech against it. Don’t op- 
pose it openly. It ’s backed by some of the 
most important men in my district — men who 
can make or break me.” 

“ I can’t make any more promises,” said 
Carlton, and he moved slowly back to his own 
seat. 

In the meantime the House was giving close 
82 


HUDSON STRIKES A SNAG 

consideration to the Garner claim. Near the 
end of the debate Jesse Hudson arose and 
made a strong speech in favor of the passage 
of the bill. The sentiment of the House seemed 
strongly for the heirs. If the members had 
taken a vote after Hudson’s speech, the chances 
are that the bill would have become a law. But 
just at that critical moment John Carlton rose 
in his place and was recognized by the Speaker. 

'' Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen,” he said, with 
great deliberation, before the House votes on 
the bill that is now pending, I desire to read a 
copy of the report that was made on this very 
claim by a Committee of this House ten years 
ago. The members can find the document by 
referring to their files, volume II, page 1072.” 

There was a lifting of desk lids and a scurry- 
ing of page boys, and every member in the 
House seemed seized with a desire to get a 
copy of the document in question. In the 
meantime John Carlton read the report in slow, 
measured tones. As he concluded he said: 

“ Mr. Speaker, I have no comment whatever 

83 


BARRY WYNN 


to make upon this report. I merely call it to 
your attention. For my own part, after read- 
ing that report, I cannot see my way clear to 
vote for this bill.” 

It was as though a bomb shell had been 
thrown into a quiet, peaceable gathering. 
Members stood on their feet, and talked, and 
gesticulated, while the Speaker vainly mo- 
tioned the members to their seats. Presently, 
the calling of the roll brought order out of 
chaos. Hudson ran from one member to an- 
other imploring them to vote for his bill, but 
it was too late. When the vote was announced 
it was found that the Garner claim had been 
overwhelmingly defeated. 

Shortly after that the House adjourned. 
Hudson, in leaving his seat, almost bumped 
against John Carlton. He looked at him with 
a malignant frown, and said bitterly: 

‘‘ You Ye a fine fellow 4;o promise to support 
a bill!” 

‘‘ I withdrew my promise before it was too 
late,” said the other one, quietly. 

84 


HUDSON STRIKES A SNAG 


Yes, you withdrew it, but you made me a 
promise all the same/’ 

I did n’t make any promise.” 

I say you did ! ” 

‘‘ Well,” said Carlton, easily, there ’s 
no use wrangling over it. It ’s all over 
now.” 

Hudson doubled up his fist, and shaking it 
at his adversary, said: 

‘‘It’s not all over. Not by a long sight! 
Every dog has his day, and I ’ll have mine 
sooner than you think I ” 

Carlton laughed. 

“ There ’s no use borrowing trouble,” he 
said, lightly. “ The dog-days won’t be here 
for some time yet.” 

As they passed out of the door into the cor- 
ridor of the Capitol, a third member came up 
to Carlton and said: 

“ John, where in the world did you dig up 
that report ? ” 

“ Oh,” was the response, “ it was pulled out 
of a pile of old junk in my office.” 

. 85 


BARRY WYNN 


'' How did you have the patience to go 
through that stuff? ” asked the inquirer. 

I did n’t/’ was the reply. '' It was dis- 
covered for me by a very bright boy, named 
Barry Wynn.” 


86 


CHAPTER VII 


BARRY STUMBLES 

As Barry Wynn and Joe Hart were walk- 
ing down Pennsylvania Avenue the following 
morning, Joe suddenly turned to his friend 
and exclaimed laughingly: 

'' Barry, this is the happiest day of all the 
glad new year! ’’ 

Barry looked at Joe blankly. 

‘ Why; what ’s happened? Have you good 
news ? ’’ 

Bully news.^’ 

What do you mean? ’’ 

Can’t you guess ? ” 

No, I can’t.” 

“ Why, you old hayseed, this is pay-day.” 

Barry’s face beamed. Naturally he looked 
forward with great pleasure to the first money 
he had ever earned. He voiced his feelings to 
Joe: 


87 


BARRY WYNN 


The work here has been so pleasant that I 
actually lost count of the days. I never dreamt 
that I ’d been in Washington for a month.’' 

Well,” said the practical one, you '11 know 
all right when you go up to the cashier’s office 
this morning.” 

The experienced boy led the novice to that 
part of the Capitol building where the pages 
received their checks. Barry had to sign the 
pay-roll and after that swore that he had ren- 
dered the service for which he was about to 
be paid. He was handed a nice, bright, crisp 
check drawn to the order of Barry Wynn 
against the Treasurer of the United States. 
He looked at it with ill-concealed curiosity and 
then gave a gasp of delight. The check was 
for sixty-eight dollars. He had worked a little 
less than a month, but the sight of the voucher 
for so much money gave him a sense of elation 
that he had never felt before. 

With Joe still acting as mentor, he cashed 
the check, and on reporting for duty to the 
Sergeant-at-Arms, was gratified to learn that 
88 


BARRY STUMBLES 
he had been given leave of absence for the 
day. Joe also, by some occult influence, man- 
aged to be excused. Barry’s first move was to 
call on Congressman Carlton and to inform 
him of the amount of money he had received. 
Mr. Carlton was delighted, but somewhat taken 
aback when Barry handed him a ten-dollar 
note. 

'' What ’s this for ? ” he asked, somewhat 
stiffly. 

'' It ’s the money you advanced for my rail- 
road fare to Washington.” 

The good-natured man burst into a hearty 
laugh. He clapped his big palm on Barry’s 
shoulder and said jovially: 

'' Just put that away. You ’ll have lots of 
use for it. The money I sent you was a 
present.” 

'' But, Mr. Carlton,” insisted Barry, '' mother 
made me promise that the first money I re- 
ceived should be used to pay you back the ten 
dollars you sent me for my ticket.” 

'' Nonsense! I don’t want it.” 

89 


BARRY WYNN 


'' But, I must give it to you,'’ persisted 
Barry. '' If I don’t my mother will never for- 
give me.” 

Mr. Carlton accepted the note somewhat 
reluctantly. 

'' By the way,” he said, reaching into his 
pocket, here ’s an old wallet that I have no 
more use for. Now that you have become a 
man of wealth it may be a convenient thing for 
holding your money.” 

Barry took the gift and thanked Mr. Carlton. 

Now, Barry,” said the statesman, I don’t 
want to overburden you with advice, but if I 
were in your place my first move would be to 
pay your landlady for the board that is due 
her, and then give her a week or so in ad- 
vance. After that lay some money aside for 
your personal use, and then skedaddle to 
the postoffice and make out a money order 
for the balance in favor of your mother. 
She will appreciate it more than words can 
tell.” 

'' I ’ll do it,” was the fervent response. 

90 


BARRY STUMBLES 
All right. Good-bye, and good luck to you.’’ 

As Barry left the Capitol building he came 
in contact with Joe Hart, who had also cashed 
his warrant. The two boys proceeded to their 
boarding house and both of them paid Mrs. 
Johnson the money that was due her, together 
with an advance payment towards the coming 
month. 

''Now, what are you going to do?” asked 
Joe. 

" I ’m going up stairs and write a letter to 
my mother,” said Barry. " I want to enclose a 
money order to her and get it off in the mail 
as soon as possible.” 

" All right,” said Joe. " I ’ll wait for you, 
and then we ’ll go down town together. Or, 
if you want to,” he added, as an after consid- 
eration, " you can walk right over to the post- 
ofifice building and write your letter there.” 

Barry adopted the suggestion and the two 
boys left the house together. As they turned 
the corner of the Treasury building, the clock 
in the neighborhood struck the hour of twelve. 

91 


BARRY WYNN 


‘‘Jiminy!” exclaimed Joe, ‘'it’s time to 
eat.” 

The remark put an idea into Barry’s head. 

^‘Joe,” he said, “this is pay-day; let’s 
celebrate ! ” 

“ Celebrate? ” echoed the other. 

'' Yes. I want you to take dinner with me 
today.” 

Joe looked at his friend in silence for 
a moment, and then something suspiciously 
like moisture glistened in the corner of each 
eye. 

“ Barry,” he said, “ I ’ll go you — it ’s the 
first time in my life that I ever remember any- 
body asking me out to dinner.” 

Barry was determined to do the honors be- 
comingly, so he sought out a first-class res- 
taurant and ordered dinner for two. The linen 
was white and the dining room splendidly fur- 
nished. An orchestra, hidden behind a clus- 
ter of palms, enlivened the occasion with the 
popular songs of the day. The meal was com- 
plete; it began with soup and ended with ice 
92 


BARRY STUMBLES 
cream. To say that the two boys enjoyed 
themselves would be putting it very mildly in- 
deed. They felt as though they were in an 
enchanted fairyland. The fact that Joe’s legs 
were too short to touch the floor, and that he 
swung them to and fro on the chair did not 
detract from his dignity in the least, and when 
the head waiter, who had seated them with all 
the pomp and ceremony which can only be 
employed effectively by a head waiter, and ad- 
dressed them as gentlemen,” their cup of hap- 
piness seemed full to overflowing, but the limit 
had not yet been reached. After the meal was 
finished and the attendant placed a finger bowl 
in front of each of the boys, the giggling and 
the whispering and the mischievous glances 
that passed between them would have been 
sufficient to have gladdened the heart of the 
most confirmed pessimist. But the crowning 
act of all came when Barry, after having paid 
the bill, majestically tipped the waiter. From 
that moment he was a superior being in the 
eyes of Joe Hart. 


93 


BARRY WYNN 


After leaving the restaurant they resumed 
their walk down Pennsylvania Avenue. The 
events of the preceding hour had raised them 
both in their own estimation. They strolled 
along very proudly, indeed, and did not feel 
a bit ashamed when three Justices of the Su- 
preme Court passed them on the street. Sen- 
ators and members of the lower House of Con- 
gress they looked upon as very ordinary beings 
indeed; in fact, when the President shot by 
in an automobile on his way to the White 
House, they regarded it — as it was in fact in 
Washington — as an incident of everyday life. 
It was about two o’clock by this time, and they 
were half way down the avenue when Barry’s 
attention was attracted by a large sign adver- 
tising a moving picture show. 

‘‘ Joe,” he said, with proper dignity in 
his voice and manner, “ I want to do this 
treat right. Let ’s take in the picture 
show.” 

Joe did not require a second invitation. In 
a few minutes they had paid their dimes and 
94 


BARRY STUMBLES 
were ushered into the seats of the little tem- 
porary theatre. In the rush of hurrying in, 
the two boys had become separated, although 
they managed to obtain places in the same row. 
A woman with a market basket was on one side 
of Barry, while a burly fellow, with a red neck- 
tie, was on the other. Presently the place was 
filled and the lights were turned down. The 
films began to operate upon the canvas. The 
scene represented an explosion in a coal mine. 
It was very vivid and very lifelike. There was 
a flash of lightning and then a low rumbling 
sound which marked the beginning of the dis- 
aster. At the most interesting stage of the 
performance Barry felt himself being crowded 
by the man who sat next to him. The fellow 
acted so roughly that Barry protested. 

Stop pushing me ! ’’ he cried. 

Oh, I beg your pardon,’' was the polite 
reply, I did n’t intend to annoy you. It was 
an accident.” 

The moment that Barry had spoken he was 
sorry. It was probable, he thought, that the 
95 


BARRY WYNN 


man had leaned against him unintentionally and 
he regretted his resentment. He wondered 
whether he should not apologize. The lights 
went up in a minute or two, but Barry found, 
to his surprise, that his neighbor with the red 
necktie had already departed. 

The two boys wended their way out to the 
street together and were glad to get in a whiff 
of fresh air. They made their way slowly 
towards the new postoffice building on Penn- 
sylvania Avenue, and after selecting a con- 
venient desk, Barry began writing his letter 
to his mother. The work of composition was 
aided by Joe Hart, who, at intervals, offered 
many unique and unsolicited suggestions. 
Finally the missive was completed and Barry 
exclaimed : 

'' Now for the money order. I 'll go over 
to the window and buy it." 

He reached into his pocket for the wallet in 
which he had placed his money. His hand slid 
into vacancy. A look of grief overspread his 
face. 


96 


BARRY STUMBLES 


''What’s the matter, Barry,” cried Joe; 
" are you sick? ” 

" No,” said Barry, " I ’m not sick. The 
pocketbook ’s gone ! ” 

The two boys stood looking at each other 
speechlessly for many moments. Presently 
Joe spoke: 

" Do you think you had it when you went 
into the moving picture show ? ” 

" I know I had it then.” 

" Well, the answer ’s simple — you Ve been 
robbed!” 

For the time being Barry felt as though the 
universe had gone to pieces and lay in chaos 
at his feet, but after awhile he came to his 
senses, and at the suggestion of his friend, the 
two of them started to retrace their steps from 
the postoffice to the moving picture theatre. 
They had gone about two blocks when Joe Hart 
suddenly exclaimed: 

" Look. What ’s that in the street ? ” 

Barry followed the glance of his friend and 
saw a red wallet lying on the asphalt, in front 
97 


BARRY WYNN 


of a Pennsylvania Avenue store. He ran over 
and picked it up. It was his own. He opened 
it and looked into one side of the wallet. It was 
empty. He turned to the other and looked in, 
and to his satisfaction, found a solitary ten- 
dollar bill. He showed it to Joe Hart. 

What do you think of it? ’’ he asked. 

I think the man that stole the wallet took 
the money out of the one side and thought that 
that was all there was in it. Then he threw the 
wallet away to get rid of it.” 

After that the boys walked back to the post- 
office, where Barry bought a postal order for 
ten dollars. He destroyed the letter which he 
had written to his mother originally, and began 
the composition of a second one. It was a slow 
and painful task. 

I don’t know just what to say,” he said. 

I Ve told mother that I got sixty-eight dol- 
lars for my month’s pay and I ’ve explained 
how I used part of it in paying Mr. Carlton 
and another part in settling what I owe Mrs. 
Johnson. I ’m sending her the other ten dol- 
98 


BARRY STUMBLES 


lars, but she ’ll wonder what I ’ve done with 
the rest. I have n’t got the nerve to tell her 
that I ’ve lost it. What would you do ? ” 

“ Don’t know,” said Joe, aimlessly. 

‘‘ Maybe it would worry her,” said Barry. 
‘‘I’ll just — ” 

“ I say, Barry,” interrupted Joe, with his 
queer expression ; “ do you know the best 
way? ” 

“ No.” 

“Just tell her the truth — tell her exactly 
what happened.” 

And Barry did. 


99 


CHAPTER VIII 


AN UNEXPECTED MOVE 

Mr. Carlton now had his Naval Repair Sta- 
tion measure in good shape and he considered 
the time ripe for its introduction in the House 
of Representatives. One morning, when the 
Speaker called for new bills, he handed in the 
typewritten document on which all of his am- 
bitions and his hopes were pinned. 

‘‘ The bill presented by the Gentleman from 
Maine is referred to the Committee on Naval 
Affairs,’' announced the Speaker. 

Barry, who had carried the precious draft 
from the Congressman’s desk to the Speaker’s 
platform, could not resist the opportunity of 
whispering a word of exaltation to his 
patron. 

She ’s in at last, Mr. Carlton,” he said, 
and you ought to feel proud and happy.” 


lOO 


AN UNEXPECTED MOVE 


The Congressman sighed. 

'' She ’s in, Barry, but that ’s only the first 
step in the battle.’’ 

But it ’s a good bill,” insisted the boy, 
earnestly, “ and it has been approved by the 
Navy Department.” 

Not yet, but I hope it will be soon,” cor- 
rected Mr. Carlton. 

Then it will pass, sure.” 

The statesman smiled at the boy’s enthu- 
siasm. 

I ’m not so positive of that,” he said. 
‘‘ I ’ve known many a good measure to go to 
a Committee and after that never see the light 
of day again.” 

Nevertheless John Carlton felt very opti- 
mistic over the Naval Repair Station bill. 
But he had been in Congress too long to 
permit himself to become affected with the 
political disease known as “ over-confidence.” 
He had prepared the draft of the law with 
great care. He knew of cases where the 
omission of a word, or the dropping of a 


lOI 


BARRY WYNN 

comma, had destroyed the effect of important 
legislation. 

Also, he had sounded a number of members 
of the Committee on Naval Affairs and found 
that they were well disposed toward the bill. 
He intended to push the legislation solely on 
its merits, but he knew that in Congress, as 
elsewhere, the intelligent and industrious rep- 
resentative is apt to outstrip the man who 
does not possess these homely but essential 
qualities. 

Felix Conway was in the House when the 
bill was offered and he immediately began the 
preparation of a dispatch to the two evening 
newspapers that he represented. Both were 
in the district affected by the location of the 
Naval Repair Station in Cleverly, and both were 
enthusiastically in favor of the proposition. It 
was at the suggestion of Mr. Conway that 
these newspapers had avoided any premature 
announcement of the project. He feared that 
such advance publicity might produce a host 
of rival cities, all claiming to have available 


102 


AN UNEXPECTED MOVE 


sites, for the proposed station. Now that the 
bill had actually been offered, it was featured 
in both of Mr. Conway’s newspapers with 
big headlines and diagrams of the intended 
improvement. That night he wired it to the 
big New York newspaper which he also rep- 
resented at Washington. 

This was the beginning. Both the Congress- 
man and his friend realized the importance of 
developing a public sentiment in favor of the 
bill. They knew that the site was an ideal 
one. It remained for them to impress that 
fact upon the members who would be called 
on to pass upon the bill. The mere introduc- 
tion of the bill was a big piece of news, and 
it was printed broadcast in all of the news- 
papers of the country. But the greatest in- 
terest, of course, was displayed by the Eastern 
press. 

Mr. Carlton made sure to attend the first 
meeting of the Committee on Naval Affairs 
after the introduction of the measure into 
Congress. After brief debate the bill was re- 
103 


BARRY WYNN 


ferred to the Secretary of the Navy for his 
consideration. He in turn passed it over to 
a Committee of experts, with a request for 
an early report. In the meantime day after 
day passed and Mr. Carlton watched anxiously 
to see if the people of any other locality 
would come forth with a site. But time 
went by and none appeared and he felt greatly 
relieved. 

In the meantime events were moving rapidly. 
The Board of Experts visited Cleverly and 
made a careful inspection of. the site of the 
proposed station. Mr. Smithers, the President 
of the Board of Trade, offered his services to 
the visitors and answered questions with such 
confidence and pointed out the advantages of 
the place so convincingly that the Board of 
Experts unanimously favored the bill. The 
Naval men realized that the Government had 
an opportunity that should not be neglected. 
They returned to Washington well pleased 
with their trip and in a few days sent a glow- 
ing report to the Secretary of the Navy, who, 
104 


AN UNEXPECTED MOVE 


in his turn, forwarded it to the Committee on 
Naval Affairs. 

John Carlton was delighted. Things were 
progressing better than he had expected. 
Felix Conway wrote a series of letters for his 
morning newspaper, showing that the location 
of the station at Cleverly would not only be 
good for the Government, but would also give 
permanent employment to five or six hundred 
men. He was enthusiastic and he elaborated 
on his theme. He even went so far as to 
declare that it meant a new era of prosperity 
and that not only the city and State, but the 
nation would share in the good times. This 
brought sharp retorts from newspapers out 
of the Cleverly zone and one or two of them 
hinted that Cleverly was not the hub of the 
universe in spite of the eloquent outbursts of 
Felix Conway. 

Barry was now in the thick of events. Mr. 
Carlton had made an arrangement with him 
by which the boy was to give all of his time 
to him when he was not engaged in his duties 

105 


BARRY WYNN 


as page. Barry was surprised at the number 
of things he was able to do. First he went 
through the newspapers and clipped out all 
editorials and news articles bearing upon the 
proposed Naval Repair Station. There were 
many hundreds of these, and the young page 
arranged them in large envelopes according 
to the views expressed therein. Those that 
favored Cleverly were placed in one package; 
those that opposed it, in another. He planned 
to keep the indifferent comments by them- 
selves. Strange to say, none of the news- 
papers were indifferent. A few were un- 
friendly to the suggested site, but the great 
majority of the articles and the editorials 
agreed that Cleverly was the natural and de- 
sirable spot for the Naval Repair Station. 

Resolutions, petitions, memorials, letters and 
telegrams came pouring in on Congressman 
Carlton commending him for presenting the 
bill, and urging him to carry his work to a 
successful conclusion. He felt well pleased 
with the situation. The new Naval Repair 
io6 


AN UNEXPECTED MOVE 


Station promised to make him popular as well 
as important. One of the members of the 
House congratulated him on his prominence 
in the public eye: 

“ It 's very nice,” he admitted, but I ’m 
not letting it take me off my feet. You know 
a political leader who receives bouquets today 
may get brick-bats tomorrow.” 

Finally the House fixed a date after which 
it was decided that no new bills could be in- 
troduced. Mr. Carlton put in some anxious 
hours. He wondered if something might not 
occur at the last moment to upset his plans. 
But the day arrived and passed and no new 
Naval Repair Station bill had been presented. 
Mr. Carlton was overjoyed. It seemed almost 
certain that his measure was to have smooth 
sailing. 

The following day a meeting of the Com- 
mittee on Naval Affairs was called for the 
purpose of transacting general business. 
Among other things the Clerk of the Com- 
mittee read the report made by the Board of 
107 


BARRY WYNN 


Naval Experts on the proposed Repair Sta- 
tion at Cleverly. It was clear and it was 
convincing. The words were music to the ears 
of John Carlton. But, as the clerk finished, 
Mr. Collins, one of the members of the Com- 
mittee, arose arid said: 

‘‘ Mr. Chairman, I now request that the 
clerk read the bill making an appropriation 
for the construction of the Naval Repair 
Station.” 

Congressman Carlton was on his feet in- 
stantly. 

''What is the purpose of having it read 
now? ” 

" I wish to offer a little amendment to the 
bill,” was the reply. 

" All right,” said the unsuspecting member. 

The bill was read, and as the clerk con- 
cluded, Mr. Collins rose and said: 

" I move to strike out the portion of the 
bill fixing the location of the station at Clev- 
erly, and to insert the words, 'Green Island.' ” 

Half a dozen members were on their feet 
io8 


AN UNEXPECTED MOVE 


at the same time, all claiming recognition at 
once. The Chairman nodded to Mr. Carlton 
and the others sat down. 

Mr. Chairman,’’ cried the Congressman, 
“ this is a most astounding amendment. It 
changes the whole purpose of the bill. It is 
not fair to do this at the last moment without 
giving the members a chance to consider what 
it means.” 

Mr. Collins flushed. 

The gentleman has no right to say that. 
It is a reflection on me.” 

I have no desire to reflect on the mem- 
ber,” said Mr. Carlton, but I ’d like to know 
the meaning of the amendment.” 

I ’m not prepared to discuss it now,” con- 
fessed Mr. Collins. In fact I presented the 
amendment by request.” 

'' Then you ’re willing to postpone consid- 
eration for the present?” 

Yes.” 

For how long?” 

‘‘ Well, say two weeks.” 

109 


BARRY WYNN 


And so it was agreed. 

After the meeting Mr. Carlton went to his 
fellow member: 

‘‘ See here, Collins ; who are you represent- 
ing in this matter? ’’ 

'' My constituents, of course.’’ 

“ No ; but you said that you presented the 
amendment by request.” 

That ’s true.” 

By request of whom ? ” 

The member smiled. He did not relish the 
aggressive manner of the gentleman from 
Maine. He answered rather ironically: 

'' I ’m not prepared to give you that infor- 
mation — at least not for the present.” 

John Carlton was greatly chagrined at the 
turn of affairs. He was prepared for open 
opposition, but how could he fight a foe who 
remained in the dark? Green Island was not 
in Collins’ district. So it was plain that the 
amendment was inspired by someone else. 
Carlton tried to find out who this one was 
and failed. Felix Conway was called into 


no 


AN UNEXPECTED MOVE 

consultation and the two men went to the 
Congressman’s office, where they discussed 
the question for more than an hour. But 
when they finished they were no nearer a 
solution than in the beginning. Just as they 
arose the door opened and Barry Wynn came 
into the room. He was breathless. 

Mr. Carlton! ” he cried. Mr. Carlton! ” 

^^Well, what is it?” 

I Ve found out who got Mr. Collins to 
offer that amendment.” 

Both men were on their feet. They spoke 
simultaneously. 

‘Who was it? ” 

“ It was Congressman Hudson,” replied the 
boy. 


Ill 


CHAPTER IX 


ON THE TRAIL OF JOE HART 

Barry had obtained the information which 
he had given his patron, in the most common- 
place way. After the session of the Commit- 
tee, he was sitting in the corner of the room 
talking to Joe Hart, when Jesse Hudson and 
Mr. Collins came along talking very earnestly. 
Hudson said to the other: 

'' Much obliged for offering that Green 
Island bill. I 'll do as much for you some 
day." 

That was enough for Barry. He realized 
the importance of this disclosure and hastened 
to tell Mr. Carlton. He met with some delay 
in locating him, but finally found him in his 
own room with Felix Conway, where he made 
his startling announcement. 

Ten minutes after exploding this verbal 


II2 


ON THE TRAIL OF JOE HART 

bomb, Barry started home with Joe Hart. 

On the way it occurred to him that he was 
beginning to have a genuine affection for the 
mischievous page boy. Joe was as full of 
pranks as an egg is full of meat, but Barry 

was quick to learn that none of his tricks 

were cruel or mean. He was simply over- 
flowing with animal spirits. He was capable 
also, quick to know what was required of him, 
and prompt to act. Joe Hart was not prepos- 
sessing to look upon. He had a thick thatch 
of red hair, a freckled face, and stub nose, 
and a pair of blue eyes that gazed upon you 
with a look of appealing inquiry and the in- 
nocence of an angel. 

“ Joe,’’ said Barry one day, '' you must have 
been a terror at school.” 

Yes,” replied Joe, with a comical twist of 
the mouth, whenever any of the boys were 
bad, the teacher lathered me. He said he 
could n’t go wrong.” 

'' The Sergeant-at-Arms of the House is 
very fond of you,” suggested Barry. 

113 


BARRY WYNN 


He must be/' replied Joe, “ he scolds me 
so much." 

Barry had been in Washington three weeks, 
when he came home one evening about eleven 
o’clock and found Mrs. Johnson, his landlady, 
in tears. He was very much exercised at this 
unexpected sight. It was as though he had 
found his own mother crying. 

'' Why, what ’s the matter ? ’’ he asked. 

It is all about Joe Hart," she said, lifting 
a corner of her apron and furtively wiping 
away the tears. 

“Why, what about him, Mrs. Johnson?" 

“Well, you know he is like yourself: he is 
like a son to me. His mother placed him in 
my charge, and in a measure I am responsible 
for his conduct. Now, you know it would 
break her heart if he would go wrong or get 
into bad habits." 

“ Oh, he ’s all right, Mrs. Johnson." 

“ I wish I could feel so sure," she said. 
“ I ’ve been anxious about that boy for a long 
while. He is getting careless. He is spend- 
114 


ON THE TRAIL OF JOE HART 

ing all of his money and he stays out late at 
night/’ 

Well, I stay out myself sometimes, Mrs. 
Johnson.” 

Yes,” she said, '' but I know where you 
are, and besides, you have never been out 
later than eleven o’clock. Why, one morning 
it was one o’clock when he got home, and you 
see tonight, it is already past eleven.” 

'' Well, I think you ’ll find it ’s all right,” 
said Barry, soothingly. 

But I must know that it ’s right,” she per- 
sisted. '' Won’t you help me? ” 

‘‘ I ’d be glad to do anything I could for 
you.” 

Well, you can help if you want to.” 

How?” 

By finding out where Joe Hart has been 
spending his nights.” 

Barry raised his hand in protest. 

Oh, Mrs. Johnson, I could n’t do anything 
like that.” 

Yes, you could,” she replied, with a 

115 


BARRY WYNN 

doggedness that some women can employ so 
effectively. 

But I could n’t/’ he reiterated. '' Joe ’d 
never forgive me.” 

The tears left her eyes at this response and 
a look of anger replaced them. 

Well,” she s.aid, angrily, “ I can pry into 
his business and I am going to, and if you 
won’t help me, I ’ll get somebody that will ! ” 

Barry went to bed that night feeling very un- 
comfortable. He had his own suspicions con- 
cerning Joe Hart, but he did not have the cour- 
age to give voice to them. Besides it distressed 
him very much to feel that he had incurred the 
displeasure of his motherly landlady. All the 
next day the incident bothered him, and more 
than once he found himself looking anxiously 
at Joe and wondering whether it would not be 
a good thing to ask his young friend to explain 
the cause of his unusual conduct. But he did 
not, and the feeling of his discomfort weighed 
heavily upon him every hour of the day. 

That night at dinner Barry noticed that 

ii6 


ON THE TRAIL OF JOE HART 

Joe was very much preoccupied in his manner. 
He bolted his food and kept looking at the 
clock with an unnatural anxiety. 

“What’s the matter, Joe?” asked Barry. 
“ Have to go out? ” 

“ Yes.” 

“Where?” 

Joe seemed confused for a moment and then 
said hastily: 

“ Oh, it don’t make any difference.” 

A few minutes later Joe went to the door 
and looked out, and then came in again and 
began drumming on the table cloth. 

“ What ’s the weather like ? ” asked Barry, 
in an attempt to make conversation. 

“ Looks like rain,” replied Joe, aimlessly. 
Barry could stand this no longer. He 
walked to his young friend and said in a de- 
termined voice: 

“ Look here, Joe Hart, what do you mean ? 
You say it looks like rain, and the sky ’s full 
of stars. You don’t know what you ’re talk- 
ing about. What ’s on your mind ? ” 

117 


BARRY WYNN 


Joe^s freckled face reddened to the ears. He 
showed more confusion than Barry had ever 
known him to display before. 

I was thinking of something else/^ he 
mumbled. I guess you ’re right about the 
weather. It does n’t look like rain at all.” 

Barry walked away very much dissatisfied. 
It was evident that Joe was trying to deceive 
him, and he did not relish that. Presently the 
boy came over to him very shyly. 

Barry,” whispered Joe, in a sort of awe- 
stricken voice. '' Have you got four or five 
dollars to spare?” 

Barry hesitated. 

It ’s only until pay-day,” said Joe, eagerly. 
“ I ’ll get my check in a week and I ’ll be sure 
to pay you back.” 

‘‘ It ’s not that, Joe,” said Barry, gently. 

I ’d be willing to give you every penny I ’ve 
got in the world, but I hate to see you waste 
your money.” 

Oh, it won’t be wasted,” he cried. 

Without another word Barry put his hand 

ii8 


ON THE TRAIL OF JOE HART 

in his pocket and pulled out a pocket-book, 
reached in and lifted out a five-dollar note and 
handed it to the other. 

“ You Te a bully fellow, exclaimed Joe, 
in his old happy-go-lucky, care-free manner. 

I knew you would n't go back on an old 
pal." 

Of eight weeks' standing," said Barry, 
drily. 

Joe's eyes danced with delight. 

That 's a long while in these days of fierce 
competition." 

Five minutes later the door slammed and 
Joe had disappeared. At the same moment 
Mrs. Johnson came to Barry. 

I overheard your conversation, and it has 
distressed me more than I can explain. I feel 
more than ever that it is necessary to find 
out what this boy is doing with his money 
and where he spends his nights." 

Barry looked at her helplessly. 

'' I don't see how I can help you, Mrs. 
Johnson." 


119 


BARRY WYNN 


Her eyes sparkled. 

'' Yes, you do. I have made up my mind 
that I will look after him and I have also 
made up my mind that you are going to help 
me.’’ 

Barry laughed, feebly. 

‘‘Well, if that’s the case,” he said, “I 
guess I might as well take my orders.” 

“ Well, I want you to go after him right 
away. Don’t let him see you, but find out 
what he does with that money.” 

“ Oh, Mrs. Johnson,” said Barry, “ I 
couldn’t do that.” 

She began to weep and in a moment or two 
threatened to become hysterical. 

“ I must know,” she exclaimed. “ I must 
know, and if you don’t go after him I ’ll get 
my bonnet and go myself ! ” 

After this there was nothing for Barry to 
do but put on his hat and follow Joe Hart. 
The boy had a start of three or four blocks, 
but Barry could see him passing under an 
electric light near the end of the Treasury 
120 


ON THE TRAIL OF JOE HART 

Building. They went block after block until 
they reached the poorer section of the city on 
the outskirts of the railroad tracks. Pres- 
ently Joe stopped at a fruit stand and began 
examining the stock of the Italian who pre- 
sided over the place. In a few moments he 
had purchased a basketful of peaches, pears, 
and plums. At this stage of the pursuit 
Barry’s better feelings came to the surface 
again and he resolved that he would follow 
Joe no farther. He turned off into a side 
street. Somehow or other he lost his way. 
Coming out of the other end of the street he 
almost ran face to face into Joe Hart. But 
the little page was so absorbed that he did 
not notice his friend. Joe walked up to a 
small, mean-looking house in the middle of 
the block, facing a large, vacant lot. Barry 
hid behind the trunk of a convenient tree. 
Joe rapped on the door and a poorly-clad, pale- 
faced woman responded. Her face brightened 
at the sight of Joe. 

'' Good evening, Mrs. Lewis,” cried Joe, in 


121 


BARRY WYNN 


his cheeriest voice, '' how are the children get- 
ting along tonight?'' 

'' They 're better, thank God," she cried, 
fervently. “ The doctor says that the crisis 
passed yesterday and they will be on the mend 
in a few days." 

'' I 'm mighty glad to hear it," said Joe. 

'' It 's very kind of you to come here," con- 
tinued the woman ; and I 'm sorry I can't 
ask you in." 

Don't mention it. I 'm a busy man, and 
have n't much time to spare. Here 's a basket 
of fruit. Here 's the prescription you wanted 
last night, too." 

‘‘ May Heaven bless you," cried the woman, 
the tears coming into her eyes. ‘‘ I don't know 
how in the world I can ever repay you for 
your goodness to us." 

'' Don't mention it," cried Joe, brusquely. 
'' Here 's a five-dollar bill. You may need 
it." 

'' Oh," she said, '' I can’t really take this." 

You must!" 


122 


ON THE TRAIL OF JOE HART 

But I won’t be able to give it back to 
you.” 

‘‘ Well,” said Joe, with a laugh, '' we ’ll put 
that up to Danny. We’ll make Danny pay 
me when he gets better.” 

And the next moment Joe had started off 
in the darkness. Barry came out from his 
hiding place. The woman saw him. 

‘‘Are you looking for Joe?” 

‘"Yes; has he gone?” 

“ Yes,” she said, “ he has just gone.” And 
then, looking at him inquiringly, “ Do you 
know him ? ” 

“ Yes, ma’am; he ’s my chum.” 

“ Well,” she said, “ if you know him you 
know an angel in disguise. My Danny says 
that and Danny ought to know.” 

“Danny?” said Barry, inquiringly. 

“ Yes,” she replied, “ my boy, Danny Lewis. 
He is head of the local messenger boys in the 
district telegraph office. He was taken sick 
two weeks ago and the doctor said it was 
typhoid fever. Someone had to take his place 
123 


BARRY WYNN 


at the office, and when Joe Hart heard of it 
he volunteered to act as substitute. For more 
than a week he has been acting as page in 
the House during the day and chief of the 
telegraph boys at night. He did it to keep 
Danny from losing his position. You know 
these things are mighty uncertain. Now the 
week for Danny’s night shifts is passed and 
everything is safe, but Joe did n’t stop at 
that. He knew we were poor, and he has 
been buying food and fruit almost every 
night.” 

The strange lump that came into Barry’s 
throat prevented him from making any reply. 
But his hand was perfectly free, and when he 
put it into Mrs. Lewis’ she found that he had 
left another five-dollar bill in her palm. 

Half an hour later, as he turned into the 
street where Mrs. Johnson’s boarding house 
was located, he almost collided with Joe Hart, 
who was coming in another direction. He 
looked at him very fixedly and said in a stern 
voice : 


124 


ON THE TRAIL OF JOE HART 

Where have you been ? ’’ 

I Ve been out/’ 

That don’t answer my question,” said 
Barry, severely. I want to know where 
you ’ve been spending your nights.” 

'' Oh, nowhere in particular,” said Joe, 
hastily, and then, in an endeavor to turn the 
subject, he said: 

How do you like your work at the 
Capitol?” 

'' It ’s none of your business how I like my 
work,” laughed Barry, '' but it is my business 
to tell you that you ’ve been discovered ! ” 

Discovered ! ” echoed Joe. 

Yes. Caught, captured, found out! Don’t 
you know the meaning of the English lan- 
guage?” 

'' Yes, but I don’t know what you ’re talk- 
ing about.” 

'' I ’m talking about the way you ’ve been 
spending your time the last two weeks. I 
know all about you.” 

‘‘How do you know?” 

125 


BARRY WYNN 


“ Well, I saw you tonight and know all that 
you did/’ 

For an instant Joe threatened to become 
belligerent. He doubled up his fists and came 
towards Barry in a menacing way. Then he 
reconsidered himself and his hands dropped 
listlessly to his sides. He spoke in a reproach- 
ful way: 

"" I think that was mighty mean of you, 
Barry Wynn.” 

I think so, too,” confessed Barry. I ’m 
ashamed of myself all right, but Mrs. John- 
son was worried, and Joe — Joe, I ’m mighty 
proud of you.” 

Barry, as he spoke, put his arm around 
Joe’s shoulder, but the boy pushed it away. 
His face was flushed and he looked em- 
barrassed. 

Say, Barry,” he said finally, '' I want you 
to make a solemn promise to me.” 

‘^What is it?” 

‘‘ Never mind what it is. I want you to 
say that you will do as I say.” 

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ON THE TRAIL OF JOE HART 

'' All right/' said Barry, finally ; '' I 'll 
promise. What is it ? " 

Joe looked the picture of humiliation. 
His eyes were on the ground and he spoke 
pleadingly : 

Barry, it 's just this. I want you to 
promise me that you 'll never mention this 
business to the other boys at the Capitol." 

‘"Why?" asked Barry. 

Because, I 'd never hear the last of it. 
Those fellows would just guy the life out 
of me." 

Barry, his heart swelling with a new and 
peculiar sensation, made the promise. 


127 


CHAPTER X 


SUSPENSE 

It became evident in the course of a few 
days that the amendment to the Naval Repair 
Station bill was to be pushed vigorously. In 
fact a great deal of sentiment in its favor 
developed in the most unexpected places. 

Mr. Carlton had been under the impression 
that a large majority of the members of the 
Committee were for the Cleverly site as 
against any other, but he learned that he was 
mistaken. Some of the members declared them- 
selves openly in favor of the Collins amend- 
ment; others said that the new proposition 
was deserving of very careful consideration. 

Naturally this worried the Congressman. 
He spent many anxious hours and days in 
trying to strengthen his own position. Curi- 
ous to state no one now seemed to care any- 
thing about Cleverly. On the other hand 
128 


SUSPENSE 


there was wide-spread interest in Green 
Island. There was a reason. The amend- 
ment in favor of Green Island had just 
enough mystery about it to pique the curiosity 
of the law makers. 

The fact that Jesse Hudson was behind the 
bill was also significant. It meant that there 
was at least a chance of its passage. Hudson 
was not in the habit of enlisting in losing 
fights. He was one of the best known mem- 
bers of the House. He had served eight con- 
secutive terms. He was resourceful; he was 
industrious, and he knew the methods of pro- 
cedure by heart. Besides that he had a great 
many friends. And that made him a foeman 
worthy of any man’s steel. Some persons pre- 
tend that friendship has ceased to exist in the 
world. It is not true. The poorest man has 
some friends. Others — even though they be 
unworthy — have many friends. Friendship 
is a great asset to any man. It is invaluable 
to the man in public life. Carlton realized 
this fact. He knew that Hudson had served 
129 


BARRY WYNN 


so many men in his day that some of them 
would want to serve him now. And the mem- 
ber from Maine felt very, very anxious about 
his favorite piece of legislation. 

Two of the things against the Green Island 
project were its apparent lack of support from 
the people of that locality, and the fact that 
it had not been endorsed by the Secretary of 
the Navy. Under ordinary circumstances the 
lack of these two requisites would have been 
sufficient to defeat any bill. In this case, how- 
ever, they did not seem to count much. One 
of the reasons was that the land at Green 
Island was offered to the Government for a 
much lower price than had been fixed for the 
site at Cleverly. 

‘'How can you explain that away?’' asked 
the Secretary of the Navy of Mr. Carlton. 

“ Easily ; it 's not worth one-fourth as 
much.” 

The cabinet officer laughed. 

“ I like your positiveness.” 

‘‘ I can prove every word I say.” 

130 


SUSPENSE 


Maybe you can/' 

There 's no ‘ maybe ' about it, Mr. Secre- 
tary. I know what I 'm talking about." 

The other fellows say the same thing," 
suggested the Secretary. 

See here," cried the Congressman, ‘‘ you 
don't intend to indorse this Green Island 
scheme, do you ? " 

The Secretary became serious. 

Certainly not. I have already placed the 
seal of my approval on the Cleverly site. I 
believe this is the very best location we could 
get on the Atlantic Coast. But, that is merely 
my say-so." 

'' It 's sufficient," protested Carlton, stub- 
bornly. 

'' I hope so; but you must n't underestimate 
the shrewdness of the fellows who are against 
you." 

''You wouldn't let it go through, would 
you?" cried the Congressman, in alarm. 

" Not if I could help it, but the thing might 
get beyond my control." 

131 


BARRY WYNN 


How?’’ 

'' Well, I suppose you know that we are in 
urgent need of this Naval Repair Station?” 

I ’m sure of it.” 

You know, in fact, that we must have it 
at once,” 

Yes.” 

‘‘ Well, suppose these fellows pass the Green 
Island bill and then have Congress adjourn.” 

“ Well?” 

^‘ Picture the position in which I would be 
placed. If I ask the President to veto the bill, 
I am put in the attitude of killing a project 
for which I have been fighting.” 

But not in the same place.” 

‘‘ No ; not in the same place. But the dif- 
ference in the desirability of the sites might 
not be considered sufficient cause for killing 
the bill after it comes from Congress.” 

I see.” 

Of course, you see. Now, it ’s up to you 
to defeat the Green Island scheme, and after 
that to pass the Cleverly bill.” 

132 


SUSPENSE 


‘‘ It ’s a pretty big contract to give to one 
man” 

The Secretary laughed. 

“ Your shoulders are broad. Besides, I ’m 
sure you must i^ave some good friends. 

‘‘ No one ever had better ones,'’ was the fer- 
vent retort. 

'' Well, enlist them in your cause. Good- 
bye, and good luck to you," were the final 
words of the Cabinet officer. 

John Carlton left with a smiling face, .-but 
down in his heart he had grave misgivings. 
As he entered the hall of the House he met 
Barry Wynn. 

'' Well, my boy," he said with outward cheer- 
fulness that never deserted him, '' what 's 
new?" 

A great deal," replied the young page. 
'' The members have been handing in peti- 
tions this morning in favor of placing the 
Naval Repair Station at Green Island." 

Many of them ? " 

Hundreds and hundreds of them. Why 

133 


BARRY WYNN 

it looked like a snow storm of white papers. 
They came from all parts of the House.’' 

Did you say they were all on the same 
kind of paper?” ' 

‘‘No, I didn’t,” retorted Barry; “but now 
that you speak of it, they were all on one 
kind of paper.” 

Mr. Carlton nodded his head knowingly. 

“ It ’s just as I thought. This is not a 
natural outburst from the people. It ’s a 
scheme — a set-up job.” 

Barry looked at him helplessly. 

“Can I do anything?” he asked, finally. 

The Congressman was plunged in thought. 
Finally he looked up at the boy: 

“ Yes,” he replied, “ everybody can do 
something, Barry,” he added, “ we ’ve got to 
stir up Cleverly as it has never been stirred 
up before. We must have a delegation of 
citizens come here and present their claims to 
the members of the Committee on Naval Af- 
fairs ; we must get in touch with everyone that 
is worth his salt, and we must have telegrams, 

134 


SUSPENSE 


letters and petitions fairly rain down upon the 
members from now until the meeting of the 
Committee/’ 

The shower came and it was helpful. Also, 
Mr. Smithers sent a telegram, saying that he 
was organizing a delegation of leading citizens 
and that they would reach Washington in a 
few days. Barry, acting under the direction 
of Mr. Carlton, sent a number of letters to 
men who would be likely to assist in agitating 
the superior claims of Cleverly. One day, after 
a number of these petitions had been presented 
in the House, Mr. Carlton happened to meet 
Jesse Hudson. 

Hello,” said the rival, who was still smart- 
ing over his defeat in the Garner claim, you 
seem to be busy.” 

‘‘ This is my busy day,” retorted Carlton, 
with imperturbable good humor. 

What are you trying to do, advertise Clev- 
erly ? ” persisted Hudson. 

Incidentally,” replied Carlton. 

You know that ’s all you ’ll ever get out 

135 


BARRY WYNN 


of it/^ sneered Hudson. You know you ’ll 
never get that Naval Repair Station.” 

'^No; I don’t know that,” said the man 
from Maine ; “ but I ’m glad to get the news 
from such a distinguished authority. You 
know you are such a reliable prophet. You 
remember you said the Garner claim was sure 
to pass.” 

Hudson was too angry to reply to this sally. 
He stalked down the hall with his chin in the 
air, looking as if he could bite nails. Carlton, 
on his part, hurried to the office of the Secre- 
tary of the Navy. He was anxious to know 
whether there was anything new in the pro- 
posed naval station legislation. The Secre- 
tary was not in, but his chief clerk said he 
would be glad to give the Congressman any 
information he might have. 

What can you tell me about the proposed 
station?” asked Carlton. 

‘‘ Nothing, except that a delegation called 
here yesterday in the interest of Green Island.” 

They did? ” 


136 


SUSPENSE 


Yes, sir; and they presented a set of blue 
prints showing how much the Government 
would gain by locating the repair station at 
that point/’ 

'' Blue prints don’t mean everything,” com- 
mented the Congressman. 

'' That ’s what the Secretary said, and he 
referred them to the Board of Experts that 
visited Cleverly.” 

'' Did they go to Green Island? ” 

No; they have no authority from Congress 
to examine the site.” 

But they scrutinized the plans ? ” 

Yes.” 

What was the verdict?” 

That, leaving out geographical considera- 
tions, the land at Green Island would make 
as good a location as that at Cleverly.” 

Mr. Carlton left the office of the Secretary 
of the Navy in a very thoughtful frame of 
mind. He realized that the opposition was 
making progress, and that his own cause was 
losing ground. 


137 


CHAPTER XI 


DISCORD AND DEFEAT 

One morning, while Barry was on his way 
to the Capitol, he passed a popular second- 
class hotel, known as the Olympic. Quite a 
crowd had gathered around the entrance to 
the house and inside the parlor a band was 
playing the popular airs of the day. Barry 
hesitated for a moment. Then he turned and 
went in to satisfy his curiosity. Over the en- 
trance to the double parlor of the hotel was 
a sign reading : Headquarters of the Citi- 
zen’s- Committee of Green Island.” 

He realized that he was in the camp of the 
enemy. Also, it came to his mind that the 
backers of the Green Island scheme had re- 
solved to stake the success of their enterprise 
upon a spectacular campaign. This method of 
procedure was not new to Barry. He had at- 
tended several political conventions and he 
138 


DISCORD AND DEFEAT 

knew more than one candidate who had ac- 
complished by brag and bluster what would 
have been impossible through the use of reason. 
The citizens of Green Island were numerous 
and noisy. Most of them were puffing away 
at big black cigars. Some of them, in the 
words of a witty Hibernian, '' were at the bar 
of the House, pouring red liquor down their 
English, Irish and French channels.’’ But 
about it all there was an air of aggressive 
excitement. I ’ll tell you,” cried one citizen, 
whose high silk hat looked like a misfit, I 
tell you the people of Green Island do not ask 
for this Naval Repair Station. They demand 
it ! ” This outburst was greeted with loud and 
prolonged cheers. 

When Barry reached the House he reported 
what he had seen to Congressman Carlton. 
That gentleman seemed greatly impressed: 

'' This means that we must be on guard day 
and night,” he said. “ Sometimes important 
legislation is put through with a rush.” 

For the first time since the project was 

139 


BARRY WYNN 


broached, Mr. Hartman, the Congressman 
whose district included Green Island, now 
came to the front in defense of the bill for a 
Naval Supply Station. Carlton met him in 
the lobby that day: 

Why, Frank,'’ he said in an injured tone, 
'' I never knew that you were going to father 
a Naval Repair Station bill at this session of 
Congress." 

The legislator looked at him in silence for 
a moment and then burst into a laugh. 

‘'To tell the truth, I did n't know it myself, 
John." 

“ Well, what does it all mean? " 

“ Blest if I know." 

“ But you 're backing the bill? " 

“ Yes, of course, I am. But to be entirely 
frank with you, I did n't know a thing about 
it until it was introduced as an amendment to 
your bill in the Committee on Naval Affairs! 
It interested me then because it was in my 
district. It interested me still more because 
it had been presented by a member outside 
140 


DISCORD AND DEFEAT 

of the district. I was passive. I did n't sup- 
port or oppose the bill. I was like the man 
from Missouri. I wanted to be shown. But 
yesterday a delegation arrived from home. 
They included some of my constituents. They 
asked me to support the bill. I protested 
against the manner of its introduction, and 
they admitted that that was a mistake which 
they regretted. So there you are. On the 
face of it the proposition is all right. It is 
supported by men who have supported me. So 
I suppose I 'll have to work and vote for the 
bill." 

You don't seem to be working very hard." 

'' No harder than is necessary," was the 
languid reply. 

Carlton was pleased, but not entirely satis- 
fied. The Green Island proposition was really 
stronger than it had been at any time since its 
presentation. Three Congressmen were openly 
committed to it, and a large and enthusiastic 
delegation of citizens was '' boosting " it from 
early in the morning until late at night. Carl- 
141 


BARRY WYNN 


ton hoped that the Committee from Cleverly 
would reach Washington soon. He felt the 
need of a counter demonstration. 

That afternoon he received notice that a 
meeting of the Committee on Naval Affairs 
would be held the following day for the pur- 
pose of acting on the Green Island amendment. 
This was short notice, but the Congressman 
started to work at once. He made a canvass 
of the Committee, and the result left the mat- 
ter in doubt. Many of the members said that 
if the Cleverly proposition was the only one 
before the Committee, they would gladly prom- 
ise to vote for it. The Green Island amend- 
ment, however, put a different aspect 
on the question. Most important of all 
the land at that place was offered to the 
Government for one hundred dollars per 
acre. 

“ What is the price of your site by the 
acre ? ’’ asked one of the members. 

‘‘ About one hundred and twenty dollars,’’ 
replied Carlton. 


142 


DISCORD AND DEFEAT 


'' You see it 's higher than Green Island/' 

But it 's better/' was the retort. 

'' That 's to be proven. At any rate, why 
don't you reduce the price of yours ? " 

Carlton smiled and shook his head. 

That 's impossible." 

Why?" 

Because it would be a confession that it 
had been made too high in the beginning. 
Besides the property owners have fixed the 
price at the assessed value of the land. Many 
of them could get more for their property. 
But they 've been public spirited enough to 
shade down to the lowest point for the 
sake of having the station located at 
Cleverly." 

‘Then your people won't offer any other 
inducements ? " 

“ I 'm pretty sure they will not. We want 
the station very much, indeed, but we want it 
on its merits." 

That night at the boarding house Joe Hart 
invited Barry to go out with him. 

143 


BARRY WYNN 


''Where?’’ asked the boy. 

" I ’ve promised to go over and see Danny 
Lewis.” 

" Sure,” said Barry, " I ’ll be glad to go 
with you.” 

He remembered with pleasure Joe Hart’s 
kindness to the Lewis family, and he wanted 
to meet Danny, the messenger boy, concerning 
whom he had heard so much from his fellow 
page. They found Danny at home, and they 
spent the evening with him in the cosy sitting 
room of the little house. Danny proved to be 
a bright, intelligent chap, with a sense of 
humor and Barry liked him very much. Pres- 
ently he recounted some of the odd experi- 
ences he had undergone in the service of the 
telegraph company. 

" I suppose they keep you very busy,” sug- 
gested Barry. 

" Rather,” smiled Danny, " and lately it ’s 
getting so that we don’t have a minute to 
spare.” 

" Why?” 


144 


DISCORD AND DEFEAT 


‘‘ Well, for one thing, those Green Island 
boomers keep us on the jump.” 

Barry was interested at once. 

I suppose they have a great many tele- 
grams,” he said. 

Suppose is no word for it,” replied the boy; 
'' it ’s a stern reality.” 

'' They Te hustlers,” conceded Barry. 

‘‘ Yes, and they Te fighters, too.” 

Fighters?” 

Yes ; fist fighters.” 

What do you mean ? ” 

'' Why, when I was delivering a telegram 
this morning, the chairman of the delegation 
got into a dispute with one of the other men 
and it ended in a rough and tumble fight.” 

Barry was absorbed. 

What was it about ? ” 

'' Oh, this fellow accused the chairman of 
freezing him out; said his land was good as 
any other, and if they did n’t take him in, he ’d 
raise trouble — only he used a stronger word 
than trouble.” 


145 


BARRY WYNN 


Barry was on his feet now and had his hand 
on Danny’s shoulder. 

‘‘Did — did you hear the fellow’s name?” 

“ Sure ; his name was Gaskill — they called 
him Billy Gaskill.” 

“ Boys,” said Barry; “ I hope you ’ll excuse 
me. I ’ve got an important engagement.” 

Joe laughed. 

“ You ’re getting to be an important man.” 

Barry smiled back as he reached for his hat 

“If you knew what this meant, you 
wouldn’t make fun of me, Joe,” he said. 

Joe waved his hand magnanimously. 

“ It ’s all right, Barry. You can do as you 
please, and no questions asked.” 

From the house of Danny Lewis the page 
boy hastened to John Carlton’s hotel. It was 
late, and the Congressman was preparing to 
retire. 

“ Hello, Barry,” he cried, “ what in the world 
do you want at this hour of the night? ” 

The page boy, in a few quick, jerky sen- 
tences told him what he had heard from Danny 
146 


DISCORD AND DEFEAT 


Lewis. Moreover, he said he had learned that 
Billy Gaskill was still at the Olympic, and 
most important of all that he continued in a 
bad humor. 

Congressman Carlton went to the ^telephone 
and called up the office of Felix Conway. 

Can you come here? ’’ he asked. 

If you need me.’' 

“ I Ve got some big news for you.” 

After that the legislator insisted that Barry 
should go home. 

'' You go and get your rest,” he said. 

There 's nothing more that you can do for 
me tonight. See me the first thing in the 
morning.” 

The following morning each of the news- 
papers served by Felix Conway contained an 
article denouncing the Green Island bill for 
a Naval Repair Station as a sordid scheme, 
backed by a combination of unscrupulous land 
speculators. It did not mince words, and it 
caused a genuine sensation at the Capitol. Mr. 
Hartman, the Congressman from the Green 

147 


BARRY WYNN 

Island district, was amazed. He never had 
much faith in the bill, but he had supposed 
that it was legitimate at least. He hurried 
to the Olympic Hotel and presented himself 
to Dwight Whalley, the chairman of the Green 
Island boomers. 

See here, Whalley,” cried the disturbed 
Congressman, “ have you read these articles 
about the Green Island site?” 

'' Have I ? ” echoed the Chairman, I should 
say so. We Ve all read them.” 

‘‘ Well, what have you got to say? ” 

‘‘ Say? Why that I 'm as mad as a hatter; 
we Ve all mad as hatters.” 

Mr. Hartman waved his hand wearily. 

I don’t care anything about feelings. I 
want to know whether the story is true.” 

‘‘True?” he repeated. “Surely you don’t 
intend to pay any attention to a sensational 
newspaper article.” 

“ Don’t you? ” 

“No; certainly not.” 

“Very well; now, I know what to do.” 

148 


DISCORD AND DEFEAT 


Mr. Hartman ; Mr. Hartman ! ” called the 
Chairman. 

But the Congressman was already out of 
sight. Before noon that day a statement ap- 
peared, over the signature of Mr. Hartman, 
in which he disclaimed all further interest in 
the legislation affecting Green Island. This 
added fuel to the fire. Before the Committee 
met that afternoon nearly everyone in and 
around the Capitol appeared to be interested 
in the fight over the Naval Repair Station. 

Carlton was on hand very early. Prior to 
the meeting he held several whispered conver- 
sations with Felix Conway. He was here, 
there and everywhere. There was an air of 
aggressiveness about him that boded no good 
for the opposition. 

He seems ready for the battle,’’ suggested 
one of the Committeemen to another. 

'' Yes,” was the reply. He ’s ready to 
fight at the drop of the hat.” 

The Committee was called to order, and the 
clerk read the Green Island amendment as 
149 


BARRY WYNN 


offered by Congressman Collins. The moment 
he finished Jesse Hudson got the floor: 

‘‘ I move that the amendment be adopted/' 
he said. 

Carlton was on his feet instantly. 

I think," he said, in purring tones, that 
the gentleman has not had the opportunity of 
reading the articles that appeared in this morn- 
ing’s newspapers, otherwise I ’m sure he would 
not favor this legislation." 

I ’ve no time to read sensational news- 
papers," snapped Hudson. 

Then I ’ll have to enlighten the gentleman," 
said Carlton, still very polite. 

How?" 

Instead of answering Hudson, the man from 
Maine looked about him inquiringly: 

“ Is Mr. William Douglass in the room ? ’’ 
he called. 

In response a square-jawed man advanced 
to the desk of the Chairman. 

'' Gentlemen," said Carlton, looking about 
him smilingly, Mr. Douglass lives on Green 

150 


DISCORD AND DEFEAT 


Island, and with your permission I want to 
ask him one or two questions about the Green 
Island site” 

'' This seems irregular,'’ protested Hudson. 

'' It may seem irregular," was the retort, 

but you 'll find it will be all right." 

'' What do you hope to demonstrate through 
Mr. Douglass? " asked the Chairman. 

That this whole Green Island proposition 
is a land speculation scheme," retorted the Con- 
gressman sternly. 

The members all looked up at this grave 
statement. Everyone was paying the closest 
attention. 

Now, Mr. Douglass," said Carlton, ''you 're 
well acquainted with this property, are you 
not?" 

" I know every inch of the ground." 

" Do you know the owners of it? " 

" I did know the old owners." 

" What do you mean by the old owners ? " 

" I mean that the entire property has changed 
hands during the last few months." 

151 


BARRY WYNN 


Since it first became known that the 
Government intended to build a Naval Repair 
Station ? ” 

'' Exactly/' 

‘‘ Now, Mr. Douglass, these new owners are 
offering this property to the Government for 
one hundred dollars an acre. What did they 
pay for the land?" 

Less than twenty-five dollars an acre." 

That 's all," said Carlton, promptly. 

There was a hum of excited voices. Hud- 
son protested that the price of the land had 
nothing to do with the case, but his argument 
was lost in the din. A ballot was called for, 
and the Green Island amendment was over- 
whelmingly beaten, only two votes being re- 
corded in its favor. 


152 


CHAPTER XII 


SMITHERS TO THE RESCUE 

For twenty-four hours after the defeat of 
the Green Island bill John Carlton was kept 
busy responding to congratulations. Barry 
Wynn was one of those who ventured to ex- 
press his joy to the Congressman. 

I ’m awfully glad you Ve won the fight/’ 
said the boy. 

The statesman beamed on the youngster. 

‘‘ You mean well, Barry,” he exclaimed, but 
I ’m afraid you ’re a little previous.” 

'' But you beat them.” 

Mr. Carlton nodded. 

Yes, we defeated their bill, but we have n’t 
passed our own ! ” 

'' But you will.” 

'' I hope so, but I know we ’re going to have 
a terrific battle. Hudson and the others are 
bitter over their defeat, and they ’ll move 

153 


BARRY WYNN 

Heaven and Earth to beat the man from 
Cleverly/’ 

The session was now drawing near its close, 
and Mr. Carlton knew that if he was to get his 
bill through, he would have to get action by the 
Committee. Accordingly he had a day fixed 
when the members agreed to hear the citizens 
of Cleverly. That accomplished, he wired Mr. 
Smithers to be sure and have his committee in 
Washington at the time appointed. The cau- 
tion was heeded, for when the great day ar- 
rived, Mr. Carlton received word that the 
delegation had reached the Capitol city. Barry 
tried to locate them but failed. He did not 
know at what time they reached Washington, 
or where they were domiciled. The only thing 
he could do was to possess his soul in patience. 
The public hearing was scheduled for two 
o’clock in the afternoon in the Committee room, 
and Barry felt that they would be likely to 
appear there before the hour indicated. 

He was not mistaken. Ten minutes before 
the time the delegation filed into the office 

154 


SMITHERS TO THE RESCUE 

of Congressman Carlton. Postmaster Ford 
headed the party, and directly behind him were 
Mr. Smithers, Hiram Blake, and several other 
prominent citizens of Cleverly. Mr. Carlton 
received them cordially, and then Barry went 
around to them, one by one, shaking hands with 
a fervency that could not be mistaken. The 
sight of the familiar faces stirred him until 
every drop of blood in his body seemed to 
tingle with delight. The sense of elation was 
greater than words could properly describe. 
The sight of their dear old faces was like a 
whiff of ozone from the ocean to a person 
parched with the heat of summer. 

He had so much to say, and they had so much 
to say, that none of them knew where to begin. 
The consequence was a genuine hubbub of 
voices and a babble of sounds. Hiram Blake, 
as his relative, naturally claimed his attention. 
These two talked in whispers for quite a while 
and the things that Barry learned from his 
uncle made him very happy indeed. His 
mother was well and contented, and pleased 

155 


BARRY WYNN 

with the progress that he was making in 
Washington. 

After he had finished his talk with his uncle, 
Barry turned his attention to Mr. Smithers. He 
had to shake hands with him again and again 
in order to convince himself that it was really 
the old schoolmaster himself in the flesh that 
stood before him. Mr. Daniel Smithers, it 
might be said, parenthetically, was a different 
person in Washington from Mr. Smithers in 
Cleverly. He was dressed neatly and in good 
taste, and had indulged in the luxury of a 
shave and a hair cut. Mr. Smithers, like most 
men of his class in the east, was not only highly 
educated, but was a man of great capacity, and 
from the moment he landed in Washington he 
had been fairly drinking in knowledge. He 
absorbed facts and figures and information 
generally as a sponge absorbs water. While 
the other members of the party had been in- 
dulging in the pleasure that comes from view- 
ing monuments and paintings, Mr. Smithers 
had been making the rounds of the depart- 
156 


SMITHERS TO THE RESCUE 


ments, and picking up odd bits of information 
concerning the government of the country, that 
he was to retain in his wonderful head the rest 
of his life. He visited the Treasury, Patent 
Office, and the computing department of the 
Census Bureau. 

Barry looked at him in open-eyed wonder. 
He had the usual amount of boyish enthusiasm 
upon the subject of sight-seeing, but he could 
not understand the motive that would lead a 
man to visit what he considered the dullest de- 
partments of the Government. 

What in the world did you visit the Census 
Bureau for? ’’ he asked. 

To satisfy the curiosity which I in- 
herited from Mother Eve,” was the dry 
response. 

'' But,” protested Barry, it is nothing but 
figures, and to me figures are so dry.” 

'' Well, it is all a question of taste, my boy. 
To my mind there is nothing in the world so 
romantic and so fascinating as figures. I would 
sooner add up a column of figures any day in 

157 


BARRY WYNN 

the week than read the finest poem that was 
ever written/' 

Barry shook his head. 

‘‘ I can’t understand that feeling,” he said. 

'' I suppose not, but anyhow, this census busi- 
ness has a special attraction for me. I won- 
dered how they computed the figures after they 
gathered them.” 

Well, did you find out? ” 

'' I did, indeed. If the boys at the Cleverly 
school want any information on this subject, 
all they have to do is to call on their ‘ Uncle 
Daniel.’ ” 

In the midst of their conversation the voice 
of Mr. Carlton rang out warningly: 

'' Gentlemen, we have n’t a minute to spare. 
The Committee will be called to order on the 
stroke of two, and we should be present. Just 
come with me.” 

He started away from the room and they 
followed him in single file. They marched 
through the subway which leads from the office 
building of the House of Representatives into 
158 


SMITHERS TO THE RESCUE 


the Capitol. In a few minutes they reached the 
headquarters of the Committee on Naval 
Affairs. The members were already in session. 
A quick survey of the room showed John Carl- 
ton that Mr. Jesse Hudson was in his place at 
the right hand of the Chairman of the Com- 
mittee. Joel Phipps, the clerk of the Commit- 
tee, for whom Mr. Carlton had no great relish, 
was calling the roll in a sing-song voice. Carl- 
ton wondered vaguely whether Hudson would 
openly oppose his bill, and if so, on what ground 
he would base his opposition. Hudson, on his 
part, gave no intimation of his intentions. He 
nodded curtly to Carlton on his entrance, and 
then buried himself in the perusal of a docu- 
ment that he held in his hand. 

Presently the business before the Committee 
was taken up in regular order. Several of the 
members made motions for the purpose of reg- 
ulating the method of considering the various 
bills that were about to be brought to their 
attention. Hudson was one of these. He re- 
minded the Committee that it was their policy 

159 


BARRY WYNN 


not to consider propositions from cities or 
towns having a population of less than thirty 
thousand. This, he said, was necessary because 
of the labor problem. 

Mr. Carlton now arose and said that he de- 
sired to have the privilege of presenting argu- 
ments to prove that the city of Cleverly should 
have the new Naval Repair Station, and that 
he wished to introduce a number of his con- 
stituents who had visited Washington for that 
purpose. The first member who was intro- 
duced was Postmaster Ford, who was put for- 
ward as a man who was in a position to under- 
stand the Government side of the question. 

Mr. Ford made an effective little speech, in 
which he presented statistics to show that Clev- 
erly was just the place for the station. He said 
that the increasing importance of the place jus- 
tified the people in making this request. When 
one of the members suggested that the pro- 
posed site might be far from the ocean, he said 
that very thing insured the Government a 
fresh-water basin where the barnacles could 
i6o 


SMITHERS TO THE RESCUE 


be readily cleaned from the largest battleships 
afloat. 

Mr. Smithers was then presented to the Com- 
mittee, and the force and originality of his re- 
marks immediately attracted the attention of 
the members. He had the valuable faculty of 
saying commonplace things in a very impres- 
sive manner, and he proved to be the best 
speaker of the delegation. He dwelt upon the 
growth of Cleverly, and said that it was the 
duty of the National Government, not only 
to keep step with local progress, but, if pos- 
sible, always to be a few paces in advance. 

After Mr. Smithers had taken his seat, the 
President of the local Board of Trade told the 
members that the growing importance of Clev- 
erly as a business centre justified the demand 
which the citizens were making upon the Con- 
gress of the United States. The members of 
the Committee were beginning to get a little 
bit bored by this time, and they did not pay 
much attention to the array of facts which the 
speaker presented in support of his contentions. 

i6i 


BARRY WYNN 

As he sat down Mr. Carlton arose, and turn- 
ing to the members, said : 

‘‘ Gentlemen, have you any questions to ask 
of my constituents? If so, I know that they 
will be only too glad to answer them.’’ 

The members shook their heads, as much 
as to say that they had heard as much as 
they cared to hear, but this did not satisfy 
Mr. Carlton. He desired, if possible, to spike 
any opposition that might develop. He turned 
and looked directly at Jesse Hudson. 

‘‘ Mr. Hudson, have you any questions to 
ask?” 

No,” said Hudson, in a slow-going way, 

I ’ve listened to all that has been said, and 
I have no desire to combat any of the argu- 
ments which have been presented.” 

Carlton beamed with delight. He had no 
idea that his proposition would have such plain 
sailing. He turned to the head of the Com- 
mittee and said : 

I suppose, Mr. Chairman, that it would not 
be premature if I were to tell the members of 
162 


SMITHERS TO THE RESCUE 


this Committee that the proposition for a new 
Naval Repair Station for Cleverly is likely to 
be reported to Congress with a favorable 
report ? '' 

“ I think that what you say is quite prob- 
able/^ said the Chairman. For my own part 
I — ’’ 

One moment/’ interrupted a determined 
voice. 

Every eye was turned in that direction and 
discovered Jesse Hudson on his feet, gazing 
at Carlton in a menacing manner. 

Mr. Hudson has the floor,” said the Chair- 
man, respectfully. 

Now, gentlemen,” said Hudson, in his 
bristling, aggressive way, before we go any 
further in the business that is before this Com- 
mittee, I move that we throw out the proposi- 
tion to give this station to Cleverly.” 

‘"Why?” demanded Carlton. ''I think we 
have made it a good case.” 

You have made it a splendid case,” was 
the sneering response, but unfortunately 
163 


BARRY WYNN 


Cleverly is a city that does not come within the 
scope of the work which has been mapped out 
by this Committee.’’ 

‘'What do you mean?” demanded Carlton, 
angrily. 

“ I mean that we agreed that we should 
not consider the application of cities or 
towns with a population of less than thirty 
thousand.” 

“ I know that,” assented Carlton, “ but — ” 

“ There are no ‘ buts ’ to it,” cried the other, 
exultingly. “ I have here an official copy of 
the last census,” and he held a document in the 
air, “ and according to this book. Cleverly has 
a population of 29,786.” 

Carlton looked crestfallen. The other mem- 
bers of the Committee yawned. One of them 
said with a snicker : 

“ We have wasted a lot of valuable time.” 

“ Yes,” remarked another, “ I move that 
we take up the next bill before the Com- 
mittee.” 

“ But,” protested Carlton, “ the figures Mr. 

164 


SMITHERS TO THE RESCUE 

Hudson has given are eight or nine years 
old/’ 

Yes,” retorted his adversary, but they 
are the only official figures we can consider.” 

One moment,” cried a voice from the rear 
of the room. 

Everybody looked in that direction. Mr. 
Daniel Smithers was standing up and waving 
a sheet of paper in the air. 

This gentleman is not a member of the 
Committee,” protested Hudson. 

‘‘ No,” shouted the schoolmaster, but I 
have some information that the Committee 
might like to receive.” 

''What is it?” asked the Chairman. 

" It is simply this : I was in the office of the 
Director of the Census less than an hour ago. 
He was good enough to tell me that the com- 
puters had just finished the count of the new 
census of the city of Cleverly.” 

" Yes, yes,” cried Carlton, on his feet, " and 
what were the figures? What is the popula- 
tion of Cleverly today? ” 

165 


BARRY WYNN 


Smithers straightened to his full height 
in order to fire his shot straight at the 
bull’s eye. He spoke impressively, even dra- 
matically : 

Cleverly, today,” he cried, has a popula- 
tion of 43,986 ! ” 

Two or three members of the Committee and 
the entire delegation from Cleverly broke out 
in a ripple of applause. Hudson, seated in a 
corner of the room, looked sick and crestfallen. 
The Chairman of the Committee turned to the 
clerk and said, drily : 

Lay the Cleverly bill aside. It is evidently 
worthy of further consideration.” 

The Chairman of the delegation thanked 
the members of the Committee for their atten- 
tion and then filed out of the room, with Carl- 
ton at their head. As they reached the cor- 
ridor of the Capitol, the big statesman grabbed 
the schoolteacher by the hand and cried, 
impulsively : 

'' By George, Smithers, but you just came in 
in the very nick of time ! ” 

166 


SMITHERS TO THE RESCUE 

Smithers smiled in his homely way. 

'' I guess it was all right,” he admitted, but, 
John, don't you remember when we were boys, 
they used to say I was the best pinch hitter on 
our base-ball team ? ” 


167 


CHAPTER XIII 


A LITTLE PILGRIMAGE 

That night Congressman Carlton enter- 
tained the Cleverly delegation at dinner. It 
was a merry party, for they all felt very happy 
over their preliminary victory in the matter of 
the new Federal station. Barry was included 
among the dinner guests, and he conducted 
himself with due modesty, and yet with all of 
the confidence of a veteran statesman. The 
episode of the afternoon naturally came in for 
a large share of conversation. The various 
members of the party viewed it according to 
their respective methods of viewing life. 

I think we might as well go ahead and ad- 
vertise for proposals,’^ said Postmaster Ford, 
who had the reputation of being the most op- 
timistic man in Cleverly. The bill ’s as good 
as passed. It 's a sure thing ! ’’ 

i68 


A LITTLE PILGRIMAGE 


Congressman Carlton laughed. 

I wish you would loan me your rose- 
colored glasses, Ford,’' was his comment; '' you 
certainly look on the sunny side of things.” 

It 's the only way to succeed,” was the 
jovial response. I think pessimists should 
be suppressed by law.” 

What do you think of that, Mr. Blake ? ” 
asked the legislator, turning to Barry’s uncle. 

Hiram was a cautious man. He paused for 
some moments before replying. He spoke, 
finally, with great deliberation: 

'' I think it ’s a great mistake for any of us, 
either as individuals or as a community, to 
count our chickens before they are hatched.” 

Daniel Smithers had remained silent dur- 
ing the interchange of views. John Carlton 
glanced in his direction. 

'' What has the philosopher of Cleverly to 
say on the burning subject of the hour? ” 

The schoolmaster modestly disclaimed the 
title, saying that as far as wisdom was con- 
cerned, there was safety in numbers. 

169 


BARRY WYNN 


'' But what do you think of the situation ? ’’ 
insisted the Congressman. 

'' Well/’ said the other, '' I think Ford and 
Blake are extremists. I see no occasion for 
either joy or sorrow.” 

Smithers is hedging,” called a voice from 
the other side of the table. 

‘‘ Not at all,” protested the teacher. As I 
view the situation, we have every reason to be 
satisfied. We have won the skirmish, but the 
big battle is still to be fought. Moreover, it 
does not take a very bright observer to see that 
Mr. Carlton has a very resourceful and deter- 
mined adversary in Jesse Hudson. He was 
very much chagrined over his setback this 
afternoon, and if I am not very much mistaken 
in my man he will do his best to keep Cleverly 
from getting the new Naval Repair Station.” 

Mr. Carlton nodded his head. 

You ’ve sized the situation up to the dot. 
There ’s no use blinking our eyes to the truth. 
I ’m up against the hardest fight of my life. 
While you ’re with me, gentlemen, I feel your 
170 


A LITTLE PILGRIMAGE 


enthusiasm and strength. But when you go 
away you must not forget that — 

That you 'll be standing all alone against 
a combination of clever politicians," inter- 
rupted Hiram Blake. 

The Congressman laughed. 

'' That 's not exactly what I intended to say," 
he remarked, but we '11 let it go at that." 

'' Blake 's wrong in one particular," observed 
Smithers. 

How?" 

'' You won't be alone in this fight." 

No?" 

'' No ; you 'll have Barry Wynn with you." 

Barry, sitting at the far end of the table, 
blushed to the roots of his hair. 

In the evening the delegation went to one 
of the theatres in Washington as the guests of 
John Carlton. He purchased an entire box in 
honor of the occasion, and thus his friends 
were able to see and hear to great advantage. 
The play was one of James M. Barrie's whim- 
sical comedies, and to say that they all enjoyed 
171 


BARRY WYNN 


it would be putting it very mildly indeed. The 
company was competent and the play itself 
was not only humorous but wholesome as well. 
Cleverly, while a thriving town, did not always 
have the privilege of seeing the best plays, and, 
as a consequence, this visit to the theatre in 
Washington was an opportunity that was re- 
membered a long while by each member of the 
delegation. 

After the performance Congressman Carl- 
ton escorted his friends to their hotel, and as 
they were about to part for the night, he said: 

Well, gentlemen, I shall be engaged all 
day tomorrow with my official duties, and I 
am going to place you in the hands of Barry 
Wynn. He will act as my representative. 
Now, is there anything in particular that you 
would like to do tomorrow ? ’’ 

One after another said that they had no 
special object in view. Finally, Mr. Carlton 
turned to the boy and said : 

''Barry, what do you say? What sugges- 
tion have you to make ? ” 


A LITTLE PILGRIMAGE 


Barry, thus suddenly appealed to, was at a 
loss what to say. In a moment or two, how- 
ever, a thought flashed into his mind and he 
gave it voice : 

'' I think a trip to Mount Vernon would come 
pretty nearly filling the bill.” 

“ Good ! ” ejaculated the Congressman. '' I 
can think of nothing that would be pleasanter 
or more profitable. A pilgrimage to the tomb 
of Washington! It ’s the very thing.” 

Everybody agreed to the proposition and a 
call was left with the night clerk at the hotel 
so that they would be able to have an early 
breakfast and start out on their trip in good 
season. They had all breakfasted by nine 
o'clock the following morning and were ready 
for the day's sight seeing. The trip was made 
by rail, and after reaching the home of the 
Father of his Country, the members separated 
and spent nearly two hours in viewing every 
part of the historic estate. They were all en- 
chanted with the simplicity of Mount Vernon. 
Standing on the colonial porch, they could look 

173 


BARRY WYNN 


out and see the Potomac river shimmering in 
the distance. Mr. Smithers voiced the general 
opinion when he said that Washington could 
not have secured a more ideal residence in 
which to spend his honorable old age. 

Although they were all men, the members 
of the delegation were greatly interested in the 
quaint dining-room, and they admired the Colo- 
nial china, the antique furniture, and the 
picturesque surroundings. They stood in the 
hallway and looked up the open staircase, 
which Nellie Custis had walked down one beau- 
tiful morning to become a bride. Indeed, they 
were all intelligent men, and all having read 
the life of Washington and the history of the 
country to advantage, they associated every 
part of the old mansion with some interesting 
anecdote. 

Mr. Smithers was particularly interested in 
the boyish recollections of the great Washing- 
ton. He gazed with particular keenness on 
the little bundle of books which the future 
President of the country had read with such 

174 


A LITTLE PILGRIMAGE 


profit when a boy. He examined minutely the 
fragments of school exercises which showed 
the round, fair handwriting which has since 
become so familiar to the civilized world. He 
noted among the papers many copies of legal 
forms written by the youthful Washington, as 
well as the set of rules regarding behavior. It 
was evident that these rules, while sounding 
somewhat stilted, had had a remarkable effect 
in moulding the boy’s mind and in forming his 
character. 

'' Look at this one, Barry,” said the old 
schoolmaster, '' it is worth remembering.” 

Barry looked over the shoulder of his old 
friend and read : 

Labor to keep alive in your breast that little 
spark of celestial fire called ^ conscience.^’’ 

Hiram Blake and Postmaster Ford, who 
were standing back of the other two, nodded 
their assent and indicated by their manner, if 
not in words, that a boy who would keep that 
maxim before him at all times could not fail 
to become a useful member of society. 

175 


BARRY WYNN 


Here ’s another one worth hearing,” called 
out Mr. Smithers. 

'' What is it? ” asked Hiram. 

“Let your discourse with men of business be short 
and comprehensive,’’ 

read the schoolmaster, slowly. 

'' Good,” cried Postmaster Ford. That 
should be printed on a card and placed on the 
desk of every busy man. It might frighten 
off the bores.” 

All the members of the party were now 
straining to see the little book, which was kept 
out of the reach of vandals. Hiram Blake 
read a maxim as follows : 

“Speak not evil of the absent, for it is unjust.” 

The Postmaster recited the next one: 

“Undertake not what you cannot perform, but 
be careful to keep your promise.” 

Before they left, the attendant of the estate 
gave them an outline of the history of Mount 
Vernon. He said that it was the property of 
the Mount Vernon Association, which had in- 
176 


A LITTLE PILGRIMAGE 


corporated many years before for the purpose 
of purchasing and holding the estate in per- 
petuity. The association, he added, was com- 
posed of ladies of the United States and was 
ably managed by a Board of lady Regents. 
Mount Vernon descended to George Washing- 
ton when he was about twenty-one years of 
age, from his half brother, Lawrence Wash- 
ington, and from that time until his death, on 
the 14th of December, 1799, it was his home. 

The time had passed so quickly and so pleas- 
antly that it was now almost noon, and it was 
decided that if they desired to reach their hotel 
in time for lunch, they would have to move 
at once. As they were about to pass out of the 
grounds, a large automobile came round one 
corner of the property, prepared to resume its 
journey to the Capitol. Four gentlemen were 
in this party. They had been inspecting 
Mount Vernon at the same time as the 
delegation from Cleverly. The gentleman 
in charge, who appeared to be paying a great 
deal of attention to the other three, was rather 
177 


BARRY WYNN 


dignified. But he had a very agreeable man- 
ner and frequently said things that caused his 
companions to laugh. 

Barry had been watching this gentleman for 
some time, and now he stood gazing at him as 
though he were fascinated. There was some- 
thing familiar about him. Barry felt that he 
had met him before and yet, try as he could, 
the memory of such a meeting would not come 
to his mind. 

While Barry was still engaged in this men- 
tal debate, a sudden gust of wind came along 
and took the stranger’s hat from his head. It 
fell to the ground and being lifted up again 
by the breeze, started off toward the Potomac 
river, with the certainty and speed of a bird. 
Barry did not hesitate, not even for a fraction 
of a second. He started after the truant hat 
as fast as his legs would carry him. 

It was a wild chase, but the boy won. He 
picked up the head-piece and started back 
breathless but triumphant. The gentleman 
came running toward him, meeting him half 
178 


A LITTLE PILGRIMAGE 


way. The incident had not disturbed his tem- 
per. He was in the best of good humor. 

'' You Te a better sprinter than I/’ he said, 
jovially, but when I was your age I think 
I could have beaten you.” 

The boy and the man stood talking for some 
moments. The gentleman was evidently ask- 
ing many questions and Barry, very much em- 
barrassed, was answering the best he could. 

Looks as if Barry had made a new friend,” 
commented Mr. Smithers. 

Before anyone had a chance to reply, Barry 
was escorting the stranger towards the delega- 
tion from Cleverly. He presented each of 
them in their turn, but he was so flustered that 
no one caught the name of the newcomer. 
Mr. Smithers and Postmaster Ford, however, 
looked at the stranger very curiously and there 
was something very much like reverence in 
their eyes. He chatted very amiably for a few 
moments and spoke about the historic impor- 
tance of the ground on which they were 
standing. 


179 


BARRY WYNN 


'' By the by/’ he said, turning to Barry, 
''you’re a page boy; do you know Mr. John 
Carlton? ” 

" He ’s the member that had me appointed,” 
replied Barry, proudly. 

" Good,” was the cordial response, " I ’m 
glad to hear it. Carlton is an able man and,” 
half musingly, "he’s a coming man, too; a 
coming man.” 

The members of the delegation looked at 
one another significantly. It was a pleasure 
to them to hear anyone commend their Con- 
gressman. Presently the stranger prepared 
to depart. 

" I am very glad to have seen you gentlemen 
here,” he said. " I think that every man who 
has the opportunity to pay a pilgrimage to 
Mount Vernon should do so.” 

They agreed with him, and presently, after 
some more talk, he turned and said: 

"Where’s that little page boy?” 

Barry was pushed to the front, and the 
stranger shook hands with him very cordially. 
i8o 


A LITTLE PILGRIMAGE 


It does me good to shake hands with you/' 
he said. '' I like all boys, but I have a special 
liking for boys who are bright and ambitious." 

The next moment he had stepped into the 
automobile with his friends, and as the ma- 
chine puffed out of the gateway, he turned in 
his seat and waved his hand, exclaiming: 

‘‘ Good-bye, and good luck to you all." 

It was all done so quickly that the visitors 
scarcely had time to get their bearings. Hiram 
Blake, who had been looking after the vanish- 
ing machine like a man in a stupor, was the 
first to speak: 

Who is that man ? " he demanded. 

That," answered Barry, proudly, '' is the 
President of the United States ! " 

thought so," commented Mr. Smithers; 
'' he had the air of a man of authority." 

Yes," remarked Postmaster Ford, '' I was 
sure it was he, and he looks just like his 
pictures." 

An hour later the members were taking their 
lunch at the hotel in Washington, and before 

i8i 


BARRY WYNN 


dusk that evening, they had started on their 
return trip to Cleverly. 

Good-bye,’’ cried Congressman Carlton, 
who was on the station platform as they 
boarded the train, I will promise to do the 
best I can with that bill.” 

Mr. Smithers, who was the last one to get 
on the train, thought of the incident at Mount 
Vernon, and replied significantly: 

I am sure you won’t fail us — not when 
you have the assistance of such a bright boy 
as Barry Wynn.” 


CHAPTER XIV 


BARRY FALLS A SECOND TIME 

For several days after his unexpected inter- 
view with the President, Barry was filled with 
a sense of his own importance. He related the 
incident to Congressman Carlton and to Joe 
Hart, and in the course of time, it became very 
generally known about the Capitol. Mr. Carl- 
ton seemed very much pleased at the honor 
that had been shown to his protege, but the 
page boys received the story in silence. Barry 
attributed their attitude to envy, and that fact 
caused him to walk about with his chin very 
high in the air. Indeed, he felt like a boy who 
was walking on clouds. To use the words of 
one of the messengers at the Capitol, he 
'' did n’t know whether he stood on his head 
or his heels.” 

A great deal of praise had been accorded him 
at the time of the Warrington incident, and he 

183 


BARRY WYNN 


was pointed out as the page boy who had been 
instrumental in saving an important piece of 
legislation in which the President was person- 
ally interested. The visit of the delegation 
from Cleverly also caused him much self-grati- 
fication. The words of Mr. Smithers to Con- 
gressman Carlton were still ringing in his ears. 
He could hear the old teacher yet as he called 
out to the Congressman: 

I am sure you won’t fail us — not when 
you have the assistance of such a bright boy as 
Barry Wynn.” 

All of these things combined had the effect 
of making him feel that the fate of a nation — 
in a measure — depended upon him. He even 
became somewhat frigid in his relations with 
Joe Hart. 

Barry, without knowing it, was passing 
through that period which comes to nearly 
every boy, — the period between boyhood and 
manhood, when self-importance is apt to over- 
shadow and conceal real worth. But, whatever 
the cause, there was no doubt of the effect 
184 


BARRY FALLS A SECOND TIME 


that he produced. He succeeded effectively 
in winning the ill will of the other boys. They 
naturally resented the idea of a new page re- 
ceiving so much praise from the members of 
Congress. 

The Sergeant-at-Armis of the House had 
provided the boys with a dressing room in one 
of the alcoves in the basement of the Capitol, 
and they frequently assembled here when not 
otherwise engaged. It was provided with 
basins, towels, clothes-closets, and the other 
furnishings of a room of this character. On 
cloudy days it was quite dark in this apart- 
ment. On the third day after the Presidential 
adventure, Barry hurried down to this room 
to wash his hands and comb his hair before 
beginning his duties at the noonday session of 
the House. It was a gloomy day, but he man- 
aged to find his way to the wash-basin. He 
opened the spigot and filled the receptacle with 
water. At that moment one of the boys at- 
tracted his attention to something that was 
going on in another part of the room, and in 

185 


BARRY WYNN 


the interval another little fellow crept over to 
the basin and poured something into the water. 
Barry, all unsuspecting of what had gone on 
in the brief interval, returned to the basin and 
hastily washed his face and hands and then, 
boy-like, gave his hair a quick smooth-down 
with a brush that lay on the marble wash 
table. 

Barry ! Barry ! ’’ cried a voice at the 
door. '' Mr. Carlton wants you right 
away.’^ 

I will come in a minute,’’ was the reply. 

I want to see if my hair ’s all right.” 

You have n’t any time for that,” was the 
retort. He ’s calling you, and he ’ll be very 
angry if you don’t come at once.” 

Without further ado, Barry hurried up the 
marble stairway and along the corridor and 
into the House. Several persons who passed 
him on the way, looked at him and laughed, 
but he paid no attention to them. Presently 
he reached the House and hurried over to 
where Mr. Carlton sat. The Congressman 

i86 


BARRY FALLS A SECOND TIME 

looked at him for a moment and then burst into 
laughter. 

'' Why, Barry, ’’ he exclaimed, what in the 
world is the matter with you? ’’ 

Nothing,’’ said the boy, innocently. I 
was told that you wanted me in a hurry.” 

'' No,” was the answer, '' I don’t want you, 
but if I were you I ’d go and wash my face 
before I began my duties.” 

/'Wash my face?” echoed Barry. "What 
do you mean ? ” 

" Why, you look as though you had just 
emerged from darkest Africa.” 

Wonderingly, Barry left the House and 
went out into the corridor again. He went 
down stairs and before going back into the 
dressing room, took a look at himself in a big 
pier mirror. What he saw caused him to gasp 
with horror. His face was all black and 
smeared. He looked at his hands. They were 
no better. As he turned from the glass 
a roar of laughter greeted him. A crowd 
of the boys stood behind him, giggling and 
187 


BARRY WYNN 


going through all sorts of contortions. 
Barry turned from the glass indignantly. 
As he started into the dressing room he saw 
Joe Hart. 

'' What does this mean/' he exclaimed. 

It means that the boys have given you the 
first degree." 

And such proved to be the case. A mis- 
chievous page boy had deliberately emptied a 
bottle of ink in the wash basin with a conse- 
quence that had been fatal to Barry's dignity. 
He did not take it in good part. Indeed, he 
threatened to thrash the boy who had been 
guilty of the offense. At this exhibition of 
temper the boys all filed down stairs after him, 
and when they were safely away from public 
view, surrounded the new page and told him 
to take his place on an elevated platform. He 
gazed at them defiantly, but fight was out of 
the question. There were at least ten boys in 
the crowd, and he realized that at the first 
move he made they were likely to pounce on 
him and possibly tear the clothes from his 
1 88 


BARRY FALLS A SECOND TIME 

back. So he determined to submit with the 
best grace possible. 

Now/’ said one tall fellow, who appeared 
to be the ringleader, we want you to recite 
your lesson.” 

“ My lesson? ” 

Yes,” said the other, handing him a large 
volume, “ your lesson, and if you don’t do it 
correctly you ’ll be kept in after school.” 

Barry took the big book obediently. It was 
an unabridged dictionary. 

'' Now,” said the moving spirit, turn to the 
letter E.” 

Barry did so. 

Please find the word ^ egotism.’ ” 

Barry obeyed. 

Have you got it ? ” 

'' Yes,” said Barry. 

'' Well, read the definition of the word as 
you find it in that book.” 

Barry did as he was bid, just as a pupil would 
respond to the commands of his teacher. 

Egotism,” he read, “ is the practice of too 
189 


BARRY WYNN 


frequently using the word ' I ’ ; hence a speak- 
ing or writing overmuch of one’s self; self- 
exaltation; self-praise; the act or practice 
of magnifying one’s self or parading one’s 
doings.” 

Correct,” cried the chief of the bad boys. 
'' You ’re likely to be promoted. You may re- 
port for duty to the Sergeant-at-Arms.” 

It is hardly necessary to say that Barry did 
not relish this ceremony. Mr. Carlton, when 
he learned of the affair a day or so later, 
laughed. He wondered if, after all, Barry did 
not need the punishment. However, whatever 
the feelings of those most concerned, it had a 
chastening effect on the new page boy. But it 
did not entirely deprive him of his feeling of 
self-importance, and he continued to keep most 
of his fellow pages at a distance. 

It was about this time that Barry began to 
realize that, even with his youth and inex- 
perience, he was likely to be in the midst of 
great happenings. There had been a '' lag- 
ging ” tendency in Congress. The President 
190 


BARRY FALLS A SECOND TIME 


had been urging important legislation from 
the very beginning of the session, but a strong 
opposition effectively blocked him. The big 
party leaders, it must be confessed, were not 
entirely in sympathy with the chief executive 
of the nation, and as a consequence, their sup- 
port of his pet measures was lukewarm and 
lacking in the effectiveness which produces suc- 
cessful legislation. Jesse Hudson was counted 
among the President’s supporters, although 
his actions did not give color to the assump- 
tion; John Carlton, on the other hand, was 
classed among the neutral members of the 
House, but was outspoken in the advocacy of 
certain bills which the President had at heart. 

There was something about the very air of 
Washington that portended a political storm. 
The House seemed to be marking time,” as 
far as the business of the nation was con- 
cerned. The President, in the White House at 
the other end of the long avenue, was plainly 
dissatisfied with the condition of affairs. Few 
expressed their convictions publicly, but every 
191 


BARRY WYNN 


now and then hints were dropped which sug- 
gested the possibility of a big political contest. 
Those who loved war for the sake of the fight- 
ing, begged Carlton to throw down the gage 
of battle, but he smiled that wise smile of his 
— and said nothing. 

During all of this time a sort of armed neu- 
trality existed between John Carlton and Jesse 
Hudson. On the morning after the day that 
Barry had his experience with his fellow pages, 
Mr. Carlton got into a controversy with Con- 
gressman Hudson on the floor of the House. 
It began in a debate over a certain clause in 
the tariff bill. Hudson made an assertion 
which was combated by Carlton. For a few 
moments there was a running fire of assertions 
and contradictions. Finally Hudson chal- 
lenged Carlton for proof of the statements 
which he made. 

'' Mr. Speaker,” said the latter, if the 
gentleman from Illinois will indulge me, I think 
I can produce the proof of my assertion before 
the conclusion of this debate. It will be neces- 
192 


BARRY FALLS A SECOND TIME 


sary, however, for me to procure a certain 
book which is now in the Congressional 
Library.” 

Hudson arose with a mocking smile. 

'' I will give the gentleman all the time he 
desires, and all the rope he wants, because I 
feel satisfied that if I give him enough he will 
eventually hang himself.” 

The members of the House laughed at this 
retort, and then proceeded with the considera- 
tion of the bills before them. Mr. Carlton 
clapped his hands and Barry rushed to his 
side. 

'' Barry,” he said, '' I want you to hurry over 
to the Congressional Library and get me a 
copy of a book which contains a report show- 
ing the wages paid to certain workmen of Bir- 
mingham, England.” 

To make certain that he would obtain ex- 
actly what he wanted, the Congressman gave 
Barry a memorandum containing the name of 
the volume desired. Ordinarily, when a mem- 
ber desires to obtain a book from the Library 

193 


BARRY WYNN 


of Congress, he utilizes a device for transport- 
ing books between the library and the Capitol. 
It is a pneumatic tube running from the 
library to a small receiving room just back of 
Statuary Hall. Books, as a rule, are obtained 
very expeditiously in this manner, but Mr. 
Carlton was so anxious that there should be 
no error that he decided to send Barry per- 
sonally to the Librarian of Congress. 

The boy hurried on his errand and in a few 
minutes was in the library. He presented the 
memorandum to the official in charge, and in 
a few minutes had obtained the book that was 
desired. While he was waiting, he gazed about 
the building with wondering eyes. It was the 
first visit that he had made to this beautiful 
structure, and he readily believed the asser- 
tion of one of the attendants that it was the 
handsomest building for public purposes in the 
world. After he had obtained the book for 
Mr. Carlton, he walked through the labyrinth 
of beauty, gazing with wide-open eyes on the 
treasures of art and sculpture that met him at 
194 


BARRY FALLS A SECOND TIME 


every turn. Imaginary figures of History, 
Science, and Art stood out at every point in the 
long corridors and galleries. It was so well 
lighted and ventilated that the boy felt that 
he was in a bookish Paradise. 

After going through the galleries he finally 
went into the library proper and gazed at many 
of the curiosities of literature that abounded 
in that place. He was examining a copy of 
Eliot’s Indian Bible, published in Cambridge 
in 1669, when the striking of a clock aroused 
him to a realization of the business that had 
brought him to the library. He remembered, 
with a pang of remorse, that Mr. Carlton was 
probably still waiting for the book that he had 
under his arm. 

He hastened back to the House. As he en- 
tered through one of the swinging doors he 
noticed that Jesse Hudson was on his feet. 

“ Now,” he was saying, '' if the gentleman 
from Maine is ready to produce the proof of 
the assertion that he made earlier in the day, 
I would like to have it.” 


195 


BARRY WYNN 

Carlton arose from his seat in an apologetic 
manner. 

I am sorry to say that I have not yet 
secured the data I wanted.” 

Hudson, who was still standing, sneered at 
his adversary: 

‘‘ Probably,” he said, it is because there 
is no such data ! ” 

'' Gentlemen, you will please refrain from 
indulging in personalities,” warned the 
Speaker. '' The question before the House is 
on the motion of the gentleman from Illinois. 
All in favor will please say ^ Aye.’ ” 

A roar of Ayes ” came from the members 
of the House. 

The echo had scarcely died out when a voice 
from the corner could be heard: 

I move that the House do now adjourn.” 

“ The members have heard the motion,” said 
the Speaker. All in favor of adjournment 
will please say ' Aye.’ ” 

There was a roar of '' Ayes.” 

'' All who are opposed will say ‘ Nay.’ ” 

196 


BARRY FALLS A SECOND TIME 


A few scattered voices, among them Mr. 
Carlton’s, cried '' Nay.” 

The ' Ayes ’ have it,” declared the Speaker, 
and the House now stands adjourned.” 

At that moment Barry reached Mr. Carlton’s 
side, holding a copy of the much needed book 
in his hand. The Congressman turned around 
and the moment he saw the boy a glint of 
anger appeared in his eyes. John Carlton was 
a very amiable man, but like most men of that 
type, he could be exceedingly angry at times. 
The thought of the manner in which he had been 
worsted by his adversary did not help his tem- 
per at this particular moment. He waved his 
hand toward Barry with a motion of disgust: 

You may take the book back now,” he said ; 
'' I have no use for it ! ” 

''I am sorry, Mr. Carlton,” began Barry, 
‘‘ but — ” 

Your sorrow comes too late,” was the 
angry retort, '' I have done my best for you, 
and now you have succeeded in doing your 
worst for me ! ” 


197 


BARRY WYNN 


‘‘ But, Mr. Carlton — ’’ 

I don’t care for any explanation ; I have 
nothing more to say.” 

And, turning on his heel, the Congressman 
walked away, leaving Barry standing in the 
aisle, flushed and embarrassed. 

It was a very sore trial for the boy from 
Cleverly. When Barry sought his bed that 
night all of the vanity that had influenced his 
words and actions during the previous days 
had vanished. He realized that he had been 
at fault, and he wondered vaguely whether 
Mr. Carlton would ever forgive him for his 
carelessness. He tried to keep up bravely, but 
his pillow was damp with the tears that per- 
sisted in welling up in his eyes. He realized 
that, after all, he was only a boy, with all of 
the defects of boyhood. He thought of the 
lost money at the moving picture show, and 
then of the manner in which he had failed his 
benefactor at a very critical moment. After 
all, he was very, very human — and he had 
fallen a second time. 

198 


CHAPTER XV 


BARRY REDEEMS HIMSELF 

For many days after the unfortunate inci- 
dent of the Congressional Library Barry found 
it very embarrassing to be in the presence of 
Mr. Carlton. He realized more deeply as time 
went on how greatly he had neglected his duty, 
and that fact did not tend to keep him in a very 
pleasant state of mind. He was morose, irri- 
table, and dissatisfied with himself and with 
the world in general. 

He still retained enough false pride to pre- 
vent him from making any overtures to his 
friend and benefactor. Besides that, he had 
come to know Mr. Carlton’s character well 
enough to appreciate that soft words could 
not, with him, take the place of a plain per- 
formance of duty. Mr. Carlton, on his part, 
made no further reference to the incident. He 
did not treat Barry unkindly, but there was 
199 


BARRY WYNN 


in his manner an absence of that cordiality 
that had existed before Barry’s fall from 
grace. 

To put it plainly, the friendly relations that 
had existed between the man and the boy, 
while not absolutely broken, were strained in 
a manner that made it very painful to Barry. 
He wondered in a heartsick way whether he 
would ever again be the same to his old friend. 
He dwelt upon the existing conditions all the 
time, and this only served to make him still 
more uncomfortable. 

A few nights after the occurrence he made 
up his mind to write to his mother and make a 
frank confession of the whole business. He 
felt that it was due her and that it would be 
wrong for him to keep her in the dark. Almost 
immediately he received an impulsive, motherly 
reply. She said that she was very greatly 
chagrined to hear of the incident, but that she 
felt certain that it would be a warning to pre- 
vent him from failing in his duty in the future. 
She concluded by speaking of the great kind- 


200 


I 


BARRY REDEEMS HIMSELF 

ness of heart of John Carlton, and offered to 
write to him in behalf of her son. Barry was 
startled at this unexpected suggestion, and he 
lost no time in dispatching a reply in which he 
begged her very fervently not to think of writ- 
ing to the Congressman. He said that he 
would have to depend on his own resources, 
and that under all circumstances he was will- 
ing to let events take their course. 

During this trying period in his Washington 
career Barry had one good, loyal friend who 
never failed him. It is needless to say that this 
person was little Joe Hart. He was like a 
faithful dog that never deserts even in the 
days of greatest danger and trouble. He never 
obtruded his friendship on Barry, but he 
always managed to be by his side in his big- 
hearted way, snuggling up to the other in that 
half-whimsical, half-affectionate way which 
wholly won the heart of the boy from Cleverly. 
Joe was apologetic, explanatory, and defiant 
by turns. 

'' You ’re not the first fellow that ever made 


201 


BARRY WYNN 


a slip/' he said. '' Why don't you go to Mr. 
Carlton and have it out with him ? " 

Barry smiled sadly. 

There is nothing to have ‘ out,' as you put 
it. Mr. Carlton says nothing. He won't even 
scold me, and for that reason it is impossible 
for me to explain or to talk back." 

Well," said Joe, reflectively, as he wiped 
his freckled face with the back of his hand, 
then the only thing to do is to defy him." 

Defy him ? " echoed Barry, in amazement. 

Yes, just tell him you 're going to chuck 
up your job." 

Chuck up my job ? " gasped Barry. '' Why, 
I could n't do that. I could n't think of such 
a thing. I would n't dare go back to mother 
and tell her that I failed in Washington! " 

'' But," persisted the young diplomat, '' Con- 
gress is n't the only thing in Washington. 
You can get a job as a telegraph boy, or you 
might become an office boy with one of the 
morning newspapers." 

I don't think I 'd like that." 


202 


BARRY REDEEMS HIMSELF 


'' Why, it ’s great,’' said Joe. '' Felix Con- 
way is right in with those people and he could 
get you on one of the papers. I know boys that 
started as messengers and afterwards became 
reporters.” 

Barry shook his head decidedly. 

'' I have no intention of resigning my posi- 
tion as page, and I don’t think that Mr. Carl- 
ton desires it either.” 

'' Very well,” was the reply, with a resigned 
air. '' If your mind ’s settled, I ’m not going 
to try to change it.” 

“ It ’s settled,” said Barry. 

'' By the way,” said Joe, changing the sub- 
ject, “ did you know that I had a typewriter? ” 
No, I did not.” 

'' Well, if you ’ll come up to my room, I ’ll 
show it to you. It’s a second-hand affair. I 
bought it for fifteen dollars, but it has been 
fixed up so that it is almost as good as new. 
I have been learning to work it, and I think it 
might come in useful some day.” 

Barry was interested at once, and after 
203 


BARRY WYNN 


supper that night he went up to Joe’s room and 
examined the wonderful purchase of the page 
boy. Joe had not misrepresented the case at 
all. The machine was in fairly good repair. 
Joe sat down for the edification of his friend 
and wrote him a letter. It was a slow and 
somewhat painful process. He used one finger 
like a boarding-school miss who had not yet re- 
ceived her first lesson on the piano. Sometimes 
he struck a comma for a period, and occasion- 
ally he used a dash instead of an interrogation 
point, and when the letter was finished an 
unbiased observer would have immediately 
ranked it among the curiosities of literature. 
But it served its purpose, for it awoke a half- 
slumbering desire that Barry had in his mind 
ever since he came to Washington. 

Joe,” he said, I wonder if I could n’t go 
to one of those night schools and increase my 
speed in typewriting and stenography.” 

'' Sure you could,” was the reply ; I know 
a good place, and I ’ll take you there tonight 
if you want me to do it.” 

204 


BARRY REDEEMS HIMSELF 


Barry was willing, and the two boys pro- 
ceeded to one of the business colleges in the 
lower section of the city and obtained an in- 
terview with the manager. Barry placed his 
case very clearly. ' 

'' I am anxious to get speed in stenography 
and typewriting, and learn bookkeeping,” he 
said, '' and if I thought I could get through in 
three months I M be glad to undertake it.” 

The teacher, thus appealed to, reflected a 
moment before replying, and then said: 

It all depends on your own ability. Some 
boys are quicker than others. If you want to 
join this school we will do the best we can for 
you within the time appointed. We have 
branches in all of the large cities, and if you do 
not get through here while you are in Wash- 
ington you could readily finish your course 
elsewhere.” 

The terms were satisfactory, and Barry 
made his arrangements then and there. In- 
deed, he was so filled with the idea of perfect- 
ing himself that he started in to work that 
205 


BARRY WYNN 


very night. Every evening thereafter, as soon 
as he had finished his supper, he went to the 
business college and for two or three hours 
was busy learning the intricacies of stenog- 
raphy and typewriting. Bookkeeping he finally 
decided to omit, feeling that he could make 
greater progress if he confined himself to the 
other two branches. 

Three weeks had gone by and Barry was 
returning from his school one night when 
something prompted him to go into the office 
building of the members of Congress. He 
walked through the corridor leading to Mr. 
Carlton's office and noticed that a light was 
burning there. After a minute’s hesitancy, he 
opened the door and walked in. Congressman 
Carlton was at his desk with a pile of papers 
about him. He greeted Barry very kindly: 

‘‘ Hello! ” he said; '' glad to see you.” 

Is there anything I can do ? ” asked Barry, 
as he gradually plucked up courage. 

Mr. Carlton groaned and then made a 
grimace. 


206 


BARRY REDEEMS HIMSELF 


I wish you could do something/’ he replied ; 
'' I Ve got 225 agricultural reports that ought 
to go out the first thing in the morning. Each 
one of them should be accompanied by a type- 
written letter signed by myself. I have the 
books here, and a form of letter, but I have n’t 
anybody to do the work. I ’ve got to go to a 
Committee meeting in fifteen minutes and I 
am almost distracted.” 

'' I think I might be able to help you out 
some,” said the boy, timidly. 

'' Help me out ? ” said the Congressman, 
looking up in surprise. 

Yes,” said Barry, you know I work the 
typewriter, and I could easily copy your 
letters.” 

Mr. Carlton laughed in the joyous, care-free 
way that Barry remembered so well. 

'' Barry, you are very kind, but I don’t 
think you could possibly get through with 
the work. I remember well when you 
wrote the bill for the Naval Repair Station. 
While you did it all right, you were cer- 
207 


BARRY WYNN 

tainly slower than the hearse at the colored 
funeral/' 

'' Well," said Barry, becoming more confi- 
dent as he talked, “ if you will just let me go 
ahead I might finish some of the letters to- 
night, and you know every little helps." 

Mr. Carlton meditated for a moment. 

Yes," he agreed, '' that 's true, but how 
about the agricultural reports? They would 
have to be addressed too." 

'' I have a friend who might help me out 
with that," suggested Barry. 

'' All right," said the Congressman, finally, 
you may go ahead and do the best you can. 
Even if you only finish a few of the letters and 
we get off a part of the books, I will feel some- 
what relieved." 

Mr. Carlton left the room a few moments 
afterwards in order to attend the Committee 
meeting. He said that he would not be back 
that night, but would meet Barry early in the 
morning. Within fifteen minutes the young 
page had communicated with Joe Hart, and in 
208 


BARRY REDEEMS HIMSELF 

less than a half hour’s time that mischievous 
boy was engaged in the task of addressing the 
wrappers on the agricultural reports. Barry, 
in the meantime, had the list of addresses 
propped up in front of him and was hard at 
work on the typewriter in copying the form of 
letter which had been left there by Mr. Carl- 
ton. He was surprised at his own speed and 
accuracy. He went with some deliberation at 
first, but after that he struck his gait,” as 
they say in horse-race parlance, and before 
very long he was turning letters out at an as- 
tonishing rate of speed. For hour after hour 
the click of the typewriter could be heard in 
the empty office building, and finally, when the 
clock struck midnight every one of the letters 
had been finished and every one of the books 
had been properly addressed. 

Barry and Joe started home, two very tired 
but very happy boys. Barry thought his fel- 
low page deserved some return for his labor. 
He was at a loss as to just how he could repay 
him for the emergency work he had done so 
209 


BARRY WYNN 


well. Presently, in a sly sort of way, he offered 
him a two-dollar note. Joe drew back. 

‘‘ What ’s that for? ’’ he asked. 

‘‘ Simply a small return for what you Ve 
done tonight.’’ 

The little fellow drew himself up to his full 
height. 

That ’s an insult to my dignity,” he said, 
proudly. 

‘‘ I did n’t mean to do that,” said Barry, half 
abashed, “ but I ’d like you to know that I ap- 
preciate what you ’ve done.” 

‘‘ You can’t do that with money,” said 
the other, with all of the assurance of a 
millionaire. 

How can I do it? ” 

‘‘ By not speaking of it,” said the youngster, 
sharply. 

Barry looked at him smilingly. 

You ’re a funny fellow, Joe,” he said, 
finally. 

‘‘ Oh,” said the page, with a shrug of his 
shoulders, “ I ’m like the great corporation 


210 


BARRY REDEEMS HIMSELF 


lawyers. I never do things by halves. It ’s 
either a whopping big fee or nothing at all.’' 

They reached home in a few minutes. They 
both went to bed immediately and slept the 
sweet, refreshing sleep that comes to those 
who labor and who go to bed with a clear 
conscience. 

The first thing in the morning Barry stopped 
in at the office building to see if the letters had 
been dispatched. Mr. Carlton was seated at 
his desk and he clapped his hands with 
satisfaction as he saw Barry peeping in the 
doorway. 

Come in, my boy,” he said, come in.” 

I just wondered whether you had signed 
your letters,” said the boy. 

“ Yes,” replied the Congressman, in his old, 
jovial way. “ They 're all signed, sealed and 
delivered. Every blessed one of them has been 
mailed and so are the books, and it is a mighty 
big relief to me, I can assure you.” 

Barry stood there in an awkward, embar- 
rassed sort of way. He looked at Mr. Carlton 


211 


BARRY WYNN 


appealingly, but said nothing. The big Con- 
gressman arose from his chair, walked around 
to where the boy stood, and putting his arm 
around his shoulder, said : 

Yes, I know. I know just what you are 
thinking about, and I ’ll answer your unspoken 
question. It ’s all right, Barry, you have 
redeemed yourself.” 


212 


CHAPTER XVI 


A CALL OF THE HOUSE 

On the morning after Barry’s restoration 
to the favor of his old friend, John Carlton 
received an invitation to call at the White 
House. It was a supreme moment. The big 
Congressman, with all of his natural modesty, 
was not insensible of the honor that had been 
done him. It was half-expected and yet, para- 
doxical as it may seem, it was a surprise. He 
felt instinctively that he was to be consulted 
on the political and legislative situation. 

Republics differ from monarchies in many 
ways. The President is not a king, and yet 
a request from him is regarded as a command. 
It is no mean honor to be the confidant and 
adviser of the chief of a great nation, and 
Carlton, realizing this, lost no time in going 
to the White House. 

The news that the Congressman was closeted 
213 


BARRY WYNN 


with the President spread through Washington 
like a prairie fire after an August drought. It 
came, if the metaphor may be changed, like a 
crash of thunder after a long, sultry day. 
Already the political atmosphere was clearing. 
Many members, who had been on both sides 
of great questions, were preparing to scamper 
to cover. Men who had been on the fence, 
so to speak, were now making ready to drop 
down on either side. They knew that the talk 
between the Congressman and the President 
would mean a re-alignment of forces. The in- 
terview lasted for a long while, and after it 
was over Carlton came out of the White House 
with a look of determination on his strong 
face. 

A few minutes after he returned, he called 
a conference of a few of his intimate friends 
and political associates in his private office. 
Barry Wynn, as a trusted page boy, acted as 
door tender and admitted only those who 
were known to be loyal adherents of the 
administration. 


214 


A CALL OF THE HOUSE 


‘‘Gentlemen/’ said Mr. Carlton, “ I have had 
a long talk with the President and he is sin- 
cerely anxious to pass certain measures that 
have been introduced in the House at this ses- 
sion and which are intended to be for the 
benefit of the people. He feels that unless 
some radical steps be taken in this direction 
at once, he will be accused of insincerity, and 
he has asked me to call a number of his friends 
together and map out a programme for secur- 
ing this reform legislation. The most impor- 
tant bill that is to be pushed forward is the 
one providing for the establishment of a Postal 
Savings Bank. I have explained the situation 
to you and if you have any comments or sug- 
gestions to make I shall be glad to hear from 
you.” 

This introduction on the part of Mr. Carlton 
was followed by a general discussion which was 
participated in by all of the dozen gentlemen 
who were present. The concensus of opinion 
was that none of the important measures would 
get through the House unless provision was 

215 


BARRY WYNN 

made for additional sessions. It was resolved, 
therefore, that a number of night sessions 
should be held and all present pledged them- 
selves to remain at their posts until they had 
accomplished substantial results. Carlton was 
unanimously selected as the leader of the Ad- 
ministration forces, and he, in turn, picked out 
Congressmen Bright, Harrison and Brown as 
his assistants, their duty being to round up 
all the members within reach and try to have 
every man respond to his name on the call of 
the roll. 

The caucus called by Mr. Carlton had 
scarcely adjourned when the participants dis- 
covered that a meeting of the opposing forces 
was being held in another part of the Capitol. 
It is difficult to keep things of this character 
quiet, and before long it had leaked out that 
the opponents of the Postal bill had resolved 
to resist all efforts to enact the measure into 
law. It was learned also that Congressman 
Roland was to be the spokesman of the op- 
position and that he had selected Congressmen 
216 


A CALL OF THE HOUSE 

Wood, Hudson and Collins as his lieutenants. 
Thus the two armies, properly officered and 
marshaled, were ready for the coming fray. 

The first night session was scheduled for the 
coming evening. All of the officers and em- 
ployees of the House received instructions to 
be at their posts by eight o^clock sharp. Barry 
and Joe Hart left their boarding house nearly 
an hour before that time in order that they 
might report punctually to the Sergeant-at- 
Arms. As they walked along Pennsylvania 
Avenue they got the first glimpse of the dome 
of the Capitol illuminated by electricity. It 
was a brilliant sight. The night was dark and 
the lights seemed to dot the heavens without 
any support, shining out with all the glory of 
the stars themselves. 

Within the Capitol the scene was no less 
brilliant and much more animated. The elec- 
tric lights from the ceiling and the sides of 
the House made the great hall lighter than it 
was in midday. The Speaker sat in his usual 
place beneath the sheltering folds of the Amer- 
217 


BARRY WYNN 


ican flag. The galleries were crowded with 
an expectant audience, and when the presiding 
officer tapped his gavel on the marble desk a 
large percentage of the membership was seated. 

After the usual routine preliminaries had 
been disposed of, John Carlton secured recog- 
nition and called up for consideration his Postal 
Savings bill, which was then on final consid- 
eration. An animated debate followed, and in 
the course of it, one of the opponents of the 
bill suddenly rose in his place and demanded 
a roll call, asserting that a quorum of the House 
was not present. In a few minutes everything 
was in confusion and the members and the 
Speaker threatened to be helplessly entangled in 
the intricate maze of parliamentary law. Out 
of it all, a few minutes later, came a call of 
the House. 

Carlton and his lieutenants were on the alert 
at once. Their first care was to see that none 
of those present managed to escape from the 
room. It was quite late, and the enforced con- 
finement began to have an irritating effect on 
218 


A CALL OF THE HOUSE 


the members. Some of them yawned and 
gaped as though the whole proceeding bored 
them more than words could express; others 
quarreled with their neighbors and threatened 
to do all sorts of unreasonable things if the 
doors were not thrown open; others, again, 
tried to reason with their colleagues and ex- 
plain the necessity of the night sessions ; a few 
of a philosophic frame of mind, composed 
themselves to the long siege that was before 
them. Several of them calmly stretched them- 
selves on the sofas against the walls and peace- 
fully proceeded to go to sleep. A few others, 
without much regard for the dignity of the 
House, put their heels on the desks and settled 
their heads on the backs of their chairs and 
dozed away their feeling of fatigue. 

Carlton, who was here, there, and every- 
where, had a hurried conference with his three 
lieutenants and laid his plans for the first stages 
of the big battle. It was midnight when the 
call of the House was ordered. The doors 
were closed and 127 members were found to 
219 


BARRY WYNN 


be present. The House went into a Commit- 
tee of the Whole, only to come out of it again, 
and the clerk called the roll again and again 
until his voice threatened to give way. The 
Speaker by this time had dispatched the Ser- 
geant-at-Arms and his assistants to bring in 
the truant members. 

At this stage of the game John Carlton very 
quietly utilized several of the page boys for 
the purpose of summoning members whom he 
knew would be only too glad to comply with 
his wishes. Barry Wynn was one of these 
and Joe Hart was another. Barry’s list com- 
prised four members whom Carlton knew would 
vote for the bill in which he was so deeply 
interested. 

The first name on his list was Congressman 
Henry. Barry knew that this gentleman was 
living at the Cosmopolis Hotel and he pro- 
ceeded there on a bicycle which he had bor- 
rowed for the occasion from a fellow page. 
The big hotel was deserted and the night clerk, 
seated in a chair behind the desk, was dream- 


220 


A CALL OF THE HOUSE 


ing of pleasanter things than night sessions 
and unruly members. Barry awoke him in- 
stantly by demanding that he send his card to 
Congressman Henry. 

The clerk wiped his eyes, gazed at the boy 
who stood before him, and then shook his head 
lazily. 

'' Nothing doing, young man,’' he said. ''Mr. 
Henry is probably sound asleep and I don’t 
propose to wake him up at this hour of the 
night.” 

" But, it ’s very urgent,” insisted Barry. 
" There is a night session of Congress and 
there has been a call of the House.” 

"I don’t care,” was the reckless reply; "I 
would not call him for the President of the 
United States ! ” 

" Where is his room ? ” asked Barry, with 
sudden inspiration flashing through his mind. 

" His room is number 40 on the second 
floor.” 

" All right,” said the boy, turning away and 
walking down the corridor. 

221 


BARRY WYNN 


Instead of going out of the hotel, however, 
he turned up the marble hallway and made his 
way to the second floor. The corridor was 
dimly lighted but he proceeded on his way until 
he came opposite room number 40. He looked 
twice to assure himself of the number and then 
pounded lustily on the door. A mumbling voice 
came from the bed-clothes: 

'' What do you want, anyhow? ’’ 

For reply Barry pounded harder than ever. 
There was a grumbling sound and presently 
the key was turned in the door, and a big 
man in pajamas came out. He glared at Barry 
fiercely. 

What do you want, to wake a man up at 
this hour of the night? ’’ 

'' Why, Mr. Henry,’’ said Barry, I came 
to say — ” 

Henry? ” roared the other, with the voice 
of a mad bull. '' My name is n’t Henry ! ” 
Barry’s heart sank. He looked at the big 
person timidly and said: 

"‘Why, aren’t you Congressman Henry?” 


222 


A CALL OF THE HOUSE 


No/’ thundered the other, I ’m not Con- 
gressman Henry ! ” 

But, but — ” stammered the boy, I was 
told that Mr. Henry was in room 40.” 

Once again the man’s voice roared through 
the length of the corridor: 

''Room 40! You little blackguard, this is 
not room 40. This is room 4. Forty is at 
the other end of the corridor.” 

" I beg your pardon,” stuttered the boy. " I 
did n’t mean — ” 

" I don’t care what you mean, or what you 
did n’t mean,” grumbled the man, " but I ’d 
like to know what right you have to wake up 
people who are sound asleep. I ’ll complain to 
the clerk and find out what kind of a house 
this is, anyhow!” 

Before he had finished the sentence, Barry 
was halfway down the corridor and finally 
reached the room he was looking for. He 
knocked on this door a little less defiantly than 
he had on the first one. In a little while it 
was opened, and the real Congressman stood 
223 


BARRY WYNN 


there wanting to know why he had been 
aroused. Barry hastily explained his mission. 
Mr. Henry took it quite good-naturedly and 
said: 

All right, my boy, I will dress and get 
down to the Capitol in a few minutes.’^ 

From the Cosmopolis Barry went to an- 
other hotel a few blocks below, where he knew 
that Congressman Yale lived. To his delight 
he found this gentleman in the barber's chair 
indulging in the luxury of a shave. He knew 
Mr. Yale, and when that gentleman saw him 
he wanted to know his business. He told him 
in a few words and said that he would like 
to know if he was willing to hurry to the 
House. 

'' Willing," echoed the other; I 'm not very, 
but I 'll go." 

He did not wait for the barber to finish his 
shave, but told him that he need not go any 
further, and jumping out of the chair, he took 
a towel and wiped the lather from his face. 
Putting on his hat and coat, he hurried out 
224 


A CALL OF THE HOUSE 

of the hotel on to the avenue and thence 
towards the Capitol. 

Jones, the third man on Barry’s list, lived 
a few blocks away in a private house. The 
attendant who answered the door said that the 
Congressman had been to the theatre with his 
wife, but that he expected him almost any 
minute. While they were talking at the door 
Jones and his wife came up the steps, and 
when the law-maker found out the condition 
of affairs, he excused himself to his wife and 
promised Barry that he would report to John 
Carlton within the next fifteen minutes. 

The last person that Barry was called upon 
to summon was Congressman Hutchinson. 
This gentleman was found in the library of 
his home, with his right foot wrapped in band- 
ages, and propped up in a chair. He was not 
in a very good humor, and when Barry was 
ushered into his den he turned to him angrily 
and said: 

'' What in the world do you want with me ? ” 
Mr. Carlton wants you,” said Barry, 
225 


BARRY WYNN 


timidly. There has been a call of the House 
and he wants you to come up as soon as you 
can and vote on the Postal Savings bill.’' 

Mr. Hutchinson did not reply in words at 
once. He brought his fist with a bang on the 
table that stood next to the chair, and then 
he emphasized his disgust by picking up a book 
that lay on the table and throwing it at a cat 
that was sleeping in a corner of the room. 
After this strange and unexpected proceeding, 
a smile gradually crept over his stern counte- 
nance and he said: 

I feel a little better now, and I '11 try to 
accommodate John.” 

I know that he '11 be glad,” ventured Barry. 

'' Yes, I suppose he will,” was the retort, 
and I will be glad, too, if I can go over. I 
doubt if I can ever succeed in getting a shoe 
on this game foot of mine.” 

He summoned his servant and for the next 
fifteen minutes he was engaged in trying to 
put a shoe on his gouty foot. It was a pain- 
ful proceeding, interspersed with remarks that 
226 


A CALL OF THE HOUSE 


would not look well in print, but presently 
the task was completed and in a little while 
afterwards Congressman Hutchinson was fully 
dressed and ready for his journey to the House. 
A servant, in the meantime, had summoned a 
taxicab and the legislator took Barry in the 
machine with him. The dash to the Capitol 
was made in record-breaking time, and the 
clock was striking one as Barry entered 
the House with Mr. Hutchinson leaning 
on his arm. Their entrance was a signal 
for loud applause from both sides of the 
House. 

In the meantime, during Barry's absence 
the Sergeant-at-Arms and his assistants had 
been doing their duties and one by one the 
captured absentees had stood up before the 
Speaker and tried to present some plausible 
reason for their failure to appear. Barry’s 
willing captive was the last to come into the 
House. 

Mr. Hutchinson,” said the Speaker, sternly, 
'' you have absented yourself from the House 
227 


BARRY WYNN 


during its sitting contrary to law and without 
the leave of the House. What excuse have 
you to offer ? ” 

The best excuse in the world/’ said the 
accused one, lifting his leg up very painfully. 
‘‘ My excuse is rheumatic gout.” 

A roar of laughter greeted this sally, and 
helped to restore the peevish members to a 
condition approaching good humor. 

After a final call of the roll, for the pur- 
pose of establishing a quorum, the debate was 
renewed and was carried on with much spirit 
for nearly an hour. At the end of that time 
Mr. Carlton demanded a roll call on the final 
passage of his Postal Savings bill. The leaders 
of the Opposition interposed various dilatory 
motions, but John Carlton swept them aside 
one by one. The strength and the power of 
his mind was never more firmly proven than 
on this historic occasion. He seemed to thrive 
on opposition. His strong brain seemed to 
grow keener and quicker as obstacles were 
placed in his way, but greatest of all, his iron 
228 


A CALL OF THE HOUSE 


will, no less than his great physical endurance, 
stood as a most effective barrier against re- 
peated onslaughts of the minority. 

The demand for the roll call was finally 
complied with, and each member answered to 
his name amid intense silence. The vote was 
pretty evenly divided, but when the last name 
had been called and it was shown that the bill 
had the number of votes required by law, a 
storm of applause broke out that lasted for 
several minutes. 

It was almost daylight when the wearied 
members streamed out of the doors of the 
Capitol. John Carlton came along with a 
group of his admiring friends. He noticed 
Barry and Joe Hart and several other page 
boys standing near the doorway and called 
to them gaily: 

‘‘ Boys, you all did well.’’ 

Barry and Joe walked home together that 
morning, and discussed the events of the night. 
Joe, looking at his friend in a furtive sort of 
way, said: 


229 


BARRY WYNN 


Barry, do you remember that Mr. Carlton 
said we all did well ? ’’ 

'' Yes,’’ said Barry, “ I heard him say it 
and I was glad of it. I worked hard, but I 
didn’t do a bit more than any of the other 
boys. I ’m older now and more experienced 
than when I first came to Washington. I ’ve 
got sense enough to realize that I ’m only a 
little cog in a great big machine, and the work 
that I did was simply my duty and nothing 
more.” 


230 


CHAPTER XVII 


THE MISSING BILL 

The all-night session of the House of Rep- 
resentatives and the dramatic passage of the 
Postal Savings bill had a stimulating effect 
upon all the members of Congress. There was 
no longer a disposition to lag, and the policy 
of marking time was abandoned in favor of 
the new programme of progress. As a conse- 
quence, committee meetings were being held 
in all parts of the Capitol and bills that had 
been slumbering for many months were taken 
from pigeon holes and given the consideration 
to which they were entitled. 

On the third morning after the night session 
a notice went out that a meeting of the Com- 
mittee on Naval Affairs would be held at four 
o’clock that afternoon, for the purpose of tak- 
ing up the final consideration of the bills that 
were pending before the Committee. 

231 


BARRY WYNN 


The notice was like a call to arms to John 
Carlton. He sent out notices at once to the 
members of the Committee whom he knew to 
be friendly, asking them to make it a point 
to be present for the purpose of helping his 
bill.. Barry happened to come in just about 
that time, and he utilized the boy in a number 
of ways. 

I know that you want to be on the 
field when this battle takes place,” he said, 
laughingly. I look on you as my mas- 

cot, and if we win you will get all the 
glory.” 

Barry protested, but Mr. Carlton humorously 
insisted that he must have his own way in 
matters of this kind. 

There was no doubt about the interest in 
the Naval Repair Station bill. Copies of the 
measure had been printed some time before, 
but the demand for them was so great that 
the supply had already been exhausted. Sev- 
eral members called during the course of the 
morning and asked for duplicates of the bill, 
232 


THE MISSING BILL 

but Mr. Carlton was unable to accommodate 
them. 

Just about noon time Mr. Benedict, one of ' 
his close friends, entered the office and said 
in a mysterious way: 

'' John, I hear that your bill is coming up 
for consideration today?’’ 

“ That ’s correct,” was the response, and 
I hope you ’ll be on hand.” 

'' Sure,” was the response, “ but see here, 

I heard last night that some change had been 
made in the phraseology of the Act. If that 
is so, it will have to go over to be printed and 
that will cause a delay of at least two weeks 
in your bill.” 

'' I think you must be mistaken,” was the 
reply. “ The bill was in perfect shape at the 
last meeting of the Committee, and I am posi- 
tive that no amendments of any kind were 
offered.” 

'' That may be,” was the response, “ but 
if I were in your place I ’d make sure of 
it.” 


233 


BARRY WYNN 


Carlton thought that this was good advice, 
and he summoned Barry to his side. 

'' My boy,’’ he said, '' I want you to go over 
to the headquarters of the Committee on Naval 
Affairs. You ’ll find Mr. Joel Phipps, the 
Committee clerk, in charge. Tell him I want 
to see the Committee’s copy of the Naval 
Station bill.” 

Barry hurried off at once. He found the 
room without any difficulty. Joel Phipps was 
there very busily engaged with several Con- 
gressmen. Barry had to wait his turn and 
finally when the clerk was at leisure, explained 
his mission. Phipps did not take his visit 
kindly; in fact, he was distinctly disagreeable. 

I am too busy to bother with matters of 
this kind today,” he said. 

Shall I give that message to Mr. Carlton,” 
cried Barry, in a challenging tone. 

'' No,” was the grumbling reply. '' Just sit 
down there and I ’ll find the bill for you.” 

He dug down amongst the papers and finally 
fished out the desired document. He handed 

234 


THE MISSING BILL 


it to the boy with very bad grace, and then 
turned to attend to the wants of several other 
visitors who had arrived in the meantime. 
Barry felt very angry at Joel Phipps, but he 
was forced to admit that the clerk was an ex- 
tremely busy man, and that probably there was 
some justification for his irritation. A man 
that has to attend to a dozen things within 
as many minutes can scarcely be blamed if he 
is not blessed with an angelic temperament. 

Carlton read the bill over very carefully and 
found that it was flawless. He handed it back 
to Barry. 

Leave it with the clerk of the Committee 
when you go to your lunch,’’ he said. It ’s 
all a false alarm. The bill is all right.” 

For the next two or three hours Mr. Carl- 
ton found his time fully occupied. He had a 
large mail to answer, and after that he at- 
tended a Committee meeting. As soon as he 
had finished he hastened to attend the regular 
session of the House. At half-past three he 
looked at his watch and realized that he would 

235 


BARRY WYNN 


have to leave his seat if he expected to get a 
bite of lunch before the meeting of the Com- 
mittee on Naval Affairs. On the way out he 
was stopped by one or two friends who wanted 
him to do favors for them. 

The clock was striking four when the Con- 
gressman entered the room occupied by the 
Committee; the Chairman had just summoned 
the members to order, and the clerk was en- 
gaged in calling the roll. While these prelimi- 
naries were going on John Carlton made a 
hasty count of noses. He found that there 
were seventeen members present, and by a 
careful calculation he felt sure that at least 
ten of these would vote in favor of the 
Cleverly bill. To make sure of it, he quietly 
slipped around from one to the other and 
confirmed his first estimate. The clerk had 
finished the roll call, and the Congressman 
arose in his seat with a great deal of con- 
fidence. 

Mr. Chairman,’’ he said, ‘‘ I move that the 
Committee now take up for consideration the 
236 


THE MISSING BILL 


bill making an appropriation for a Naval Repair 
Station at Cleverly/’ 

The members have heard the motion,” said 
the presiding officer, all in favor will please 
say aye.” 

There was a chorus of ayes, and the Chair- 
man declared the motion carried. The clerk 
of the Committee,” he said, will now read the 
bill.” 

Joel Phipps turned to the pile of papers in 
front of him and began turning them over one 
by one. He reached the bottom of the heap 
without discovering the Cleverly bill. Then 
he turned them over and went through the pile 
again, very carefully and very painstakingly. 
A look of perplexity gathered on his face. 
The members were becoming impatient. The 
Chairman seemed to voice the opinion of his 
colleagues. 

The clerk will read the bill,” he said, curtly. 

'' In a moment, sir,” said Phipps, in an agi- 
tated voice. 

He continued to fumble among the docu- 

237 


BARRY WYNN 


ments on his desk. He looked very much em- 
barrassed. He moistened his lips with his 
tongue and then looked about the room 
helplessly. 

'' Well/’ demanded John Carlton, ‘‘ why don’t 
you read the bill ? ” 

I am sorry to say that I can’t find it.” 

‘‘ How is that? ” 

I don’t know, sir ; but I can’t put my hand 
on it.” 

'' Well,” said Carlton, addressing the Chair- 
man, I have a typewritten copy of the meas- 
ure in my pocket, and if the Chairman is 
agreeable, I will have that read in place of 
the original bill.” 

Jesse Hudson was on his feet in an instant. 

‘‘ I object,” he shouted. ‘‘ I object to this 
method of doing business. We have very im- 
portant matters to consider before this Com- 
mittee and we cannot afford to transact them 
in an irregular and possibly an illegal manner. 
The only bills that this Committee has a right 
to consider are the bills that are in its custody. 

238 


THE MISSING BILL 


If you permit the members to substitute other 
bills at their pleasure, no one can tell where 
it will lead nor what the consequence may be/’ 

'' But,” persisted Carlton, '' the bill that I 
am going to hand you is identical with the one 
that was in the possession of the Committee.” 

That may be,” was Hudson’s smooth re- 
tort, but it is not the identical bill that 
was before the Committee. I object to its 
consideration.” 

His remarks appeared to have made some 
impression upon the members of the Commit- 
tee. Indeed, one of the Congressmen, who was 
known to be friendly to Carlton, arose in his 
place and said: 

'' I think there is some merit in what Mr. 
Hudson says. At any rate it will do no harm 
to postpone this matter until the public printer 
can supply the Committee with another copy 
of the bill.” 

Am I to regard that as a motion? ” queried 
the Chairman. 

'' Yes, sir,” was the response. 

239 


BARRY WYNN 


The members have heard the motion/’ said 
the Chairman, '' all in favor of postponing the 
consideration of the Cleverly bill for the pres- 
ent will say aye.” 

There was a loud chorus of ayes. 

'' All those who oppose it, say no.” 

A few scattered voices called out no.” 

The ayes have it,” said the Chairman, and 
the motion to postpone is carried.” 

Carlton was plainly nettled at the turn of 
affairs. He turned to the clerk angrily and 
said: 

I think it ’s the business of the clerk 
to take care of the papers of the Committee, 
and I think it is a great mistake to make 
a member of Congress and his constitu- 
ents suffer from the negligence of an 
employe.” 

Joel Phipps became white in the face. 
At this unexpected thrust, however, he had 
the courage to rise behind his desk, and 
said: 

I am very sorry the bill was lost, but it ’s 
240 


THE MISSING BILL 

not my fault. The members of the Committee 
unfortunately have gotten into the habit of 
taking away papers without obtaining the per- 
mission of the Chairman or without giving a 
receipt for the same. Several of them have 
done this during the past few days, and Mr. 
Carlton, I regret to say, is one of the chief 
offenders.’' 

Mr. Carlton gave a half laugh. 

'' I guess you 're right, Joel,” he said, and 
I will have to plead guilty.” 

Nevertheless he left the room in a very dis- 
satisfied frame of mind. The measure in which 
he was so deeply interested had been thrown 
back for at least two weeks. That was not 
the worst feature of the case, either. He had 
enough votes now to pass the bill. He might 
not have them when the bill came up for con- 
sideration again. The thought rankled in his 
mind and gave him a disagreeable feeling 
towards his fellow creatures. As he reached 
the door of the Committee Room a reporter 
from one of the Cleverly newspapers, who had 
241 


BARRY WYNN 


heard of the disappearance of the bill, stopped 
the Congressman and asked him what com- 
ments he had to make. 

'' It ’s a mighty queer piece of business,’’ was 
Carlton’s reply. That ’s all I have got to 
say.” 


242 


CHAPTER XVIII 


RUMORS OF WAR 

Washington is a city of rumors, and for 
some hours after the mysterious disappear- 
ance of the Cleverly bill the air was filled with 
stories of an approaching political war. Some 
of John Carlton’s bitter partisans made the 
emphatic assertion that Joel Phipps was at the 
bottom of the whole business and that he had 
deliberately destroyed the bill in order to pre- 
vent its passage by the Committee. The Con- 
gressman was the first one to repudiate this 
charge. 

'' There is no proof whatever,” he said, that 
Joel Phipps is in any way responsible for the 
loss of the bill. I am a believer in fair play, 
and I want it distinctly understood that I have 
not in any way impugned the good faith of my 
colleagues or of any employe of the Committee.” 

243 


BARRY WYNN 


But you put the blame on the clerk at the 
meeting of the Committee.’’ 

Yes,” he admitted reluctantly, I did, 
but it was a case of hasty judgment on my 
part.” 

'' Then you acquit Phipps? ” 

'' I have neither acquitted or convicted any- 
one.” 

'' But what do you suppose became of the 
bill?” 

I ’m sure I don’t know,” was the despair- 
ing reply. 

In spite of John Carlton’s peaceful talk, the 
friends and enemies of the bill seemed deter- 
mined to stir strife. Some of them went so 
far as to say that the disappearance of the 
bill was a bit of trickery which had been en- 
gineered by opponents of the Administration, 
who took this method of punishing the Con- 
gressman for his loyalty to the President. 
Carlton pooh-poohed this, but in spite of his 
protests, the story was flashing along news- 
paper row. The whole thing illustrated the 
244 


RUMORS OF WAR 


astonishing rapidity with which a mere rumor 
can grow into an accepted fact. It was like 
a snowball rolling down a hill. It gathered 
weight and momentum as it proceeded. By 
nightfall some of the sensational journalists 
were building up a story of a political war 
that was to involve the entire United States. 

Barry missed all of this. He had been sent 
to Georgetown to obtain some law books for 
a member of Congress, and he was entirely 
unaware of the fate that had befallen his be- 
loved bill. Mr. Carlton, in a half amused way, 
wondered how the boy would feel when he 
learned the news. He was at dinner in the hotel 
when one of the newspaper correspondents 
called on him to inquire whether he would make 
a statement concerning the great political war. 

Certainly,'' he said. 

The young man pulled out his pencil and 
note book. 

It will be short," warned the Congressman. 

“ Very well," was the smiling rejoinder, 
anything you may say will be of interest." 

245 


BARRY WYNN 


“ Rubbish! '' said the statesman. 

The newspaper man looked at him curiously. 

Well, I am still waiting,’' he said. 

‘‘ But I have given you the statement you 
desired,” said Carlton. 

What was it? ” 

‘‘ Rubbish — that 's all.” 

Do you really mean to put that out as your 
answer to the charges and innuendos that are 
floating about Washington? ” 

‘‘ That is precisely what I mean. I desire 
to say neither more nor less. Simply state 
that Congressman Carlton, when questioned 
on this matter, said ' Rubbish.’ ” 

While Carlton was doing his best to pour 
oil on the troubled waters, Hudson was, on the 
other hand, going about sedulously stirring up 
the angry passions of the legislators. With- 
out making any direct charges, he insinuated 
that the proposed bill had a significance which 
it really did not possess. He still felt very sore 
over the effective manner in which Carlton 
had blocked the claim which he presented in 
246 


RUMORS OF WAR 


the House earlier in the session. A big, broad- 
minded man would have accepted this defeat 
gracefully, but Hudson was not that type of 
statesman. He had a grievance and he nursed 
it, hoping that in the end he would succeed in 
revenging himself upon the even-tempered 
Carlton. 

Carlton was still at the table, placidly 
eating his dinner, when Felix Conway burst 
into the room, his face red and his eyes 
staring. 

'' Sit down, Felix,’’ said Carlton, and have 
some dinner with me.” 

I don’t want any dinner. I ’ve had all the 
dinner I care for.” 

The Congressman smiled. 

Then have a plate of ice cream. It may 
cool you off.” 

^^No; nothing will cool me off, and after 
you hear what I have got to say, you may be 
a little warm yourself ! ” 

'' Well, go ahead and tell me what is on 
your mind.” 


247 


BARRY WYNN 


'' It ’s just this/’ cried Conway, explosively. 
‘‘These fellows are going around the town 
trying to injure you. They ’re putting all sorts 
of false constructions on your failure to get 
your bill through today.” 

“ Well, that ’s no more than I expected ; — 
it ’s a penalty a man has to pay for being in 
public life.” 

“ But you don’t know what they ’re saying.” 

“ No,” agreed the other, placidly, “ and I 
am not very anxious to hear.” 

“ But,” said the journalist, “ you ’ve got to 
listen to me.” 

“ I am listening.” 

Conway fumbled in his pockets and finally 
pulled out copies of the evening papers. He 
opened one of them hurriedly and turning to 
an inside page, began reading some of the 
gossip that had been printed concerning Carl- 
ton and his bill. The writer said that the 
whole business had been, as he phrased it, “ a 
grandstand play.” He said that it was the 
belief of men who were on the inside of the 
248 


RUMORS OF WAR 


Committee that the bill had been purposely 
sidetracked. He added that Carlton was cred- 
ited with knowing all about it and that in all 
probability the bill would never be heard of 
again. As he finished reading, Conway 
exclaimed : 

'' What do you think of that? 

Not much,’' was the even reply. 

Felix Conway looked at his friend in hope- 
less amazement. He wondered if anything 
would arouse him. Then he opened the second 
paper and began to read from that. The in- 
sinuations of the second writer were worse 
than the first. He practically charged Carlton 
with having destroyed the bill himself, because 
he knew that it would be impossible to pass 
it at the pending session of Congress. He said 
that it was apparently better to lose the bill 
than to go home and admit to the people 
of Cleverly that he had been unable to pass 
it. 

Conway threw both papers on the table with 
a gesture of anger. 


249 


BARRY WYNN 


Now/’ he exclaimed, dramatically, '' What 
do you think of that? ” 

Carlton smiled as the young man indignantly 
asked the question. He spoke very quietly. 

I think even less of that than I did of the 
first comment.” 

Conway seemed dazed. 

Why, you ’re the queerest man I ever met. 
Of course, you must strike back at these fel- 
lows. You don’t propose to let these insinua- 
tions stand, do you?” 

The Congressman leaned over and put his 
hand on the correspondent’s shoulder, and, 
speaking in a tone that a father might use 
to his son, said: 

My boy, I don’t propose to do a thing.” 

Don’t propose to do a thing? ” echoed the 
other. 

‘‘ No, I do not. If a lifetime of honesty and 
faithful service is not a sufficient answer to 
these false and malicious reports, then noth- 
ing I can say at this time would have any 
eflfect with the people of Cleverly.” 

250 


RUMORS OF WAR 

Conway looked at him with genuine ad- 
miration. 

“ You Ve got splendid courage, anyhow,” he 
admitted, “ and if you won’t answer these re- 
ports, I suppose there ’s nothing for me to do 
but go back and get out my nightly grind.” 

'' No, Felix,” said the other, with an air of 
finality, '' there is nothing else that you can 
do.” 

But,” insisted Conway, '' if you won’t talk 
for publication, I suppose you will act for 
your own satisfaction. You will go after 
these fellows, won’t you?” 

No,” was the response, '' I won’t! ” 

'' Well, what in the world are you going 
to do?” 

'' Do,” smiled the other, '' I am going to do 
nothing. I am going to let events take their 
natural course ! ” 


251 


CHAPTER XIX 


SORELY TEMPTED 

It was late when Barry Wynn returned from 
his errand to Georgetown. The mission he 
had undertaken for the Sergeant-at-Arms took 
much longer than he anticipated. When he 
reached his boarding house that evening, Joe 
Hart and most of the other boarders had fin- 
ished dinner. Barry was greatly disappointed, 
for he counted upon news from Joe Hart con- 
cerning the action of the Committee on Naval 
Afifairs. 

Barry, it will be remembered, had not read 
the evening papers or he would not have been 
in ignorance of the rapid-fire course of events 
during his absence. Indeed, it must be con- 
fessed that the matter of the Cleverly bill, of 
itself, did not cut much figure in the affairs 
of the national Capitol. It was really only 
in its relation to other and greater issues, that 
252 


SORELY TEMPTED 


it had attracted the attention of the bright 
young men who supply the metropolitan news- 
papers with information concerning the latest 
moves on the national checker board. 

After dinner Barry found a letter from home 
awaiting him. He went to his room so that 
he could read it in uninterrupted silence. It 
was a long, gossipy communication, and his 
mother had evidently been at great pains to 
give him all the news about the people of 
Cleverly. She was well and happy, and Hiram 
Blake was proving himself a most devoted 
brother. In fact, he had gone down into his 
own pocketbook on more than one occasion in 
order to supply her not only with the necessi- 
ties but the comforts of life. 

Mrs. Wynn dwelt with much satisfaction on 
the letters she had received from Barry. She 
said she had heard about him in many indirect 
ways. She alluded to the visit of the Cleverly 
delegation to Washington, and said that the 
men were all warmly enthusiastic about the 
young page boy. 


253 


BARRY WYNN 


Daniel Smithers had called upon her and 
assured her with the utmost sincerity that her 
son would eventually become the President of 
the United States. When she raised her eye- 
brows, he had modified his prediction by say- 
ing that the boy would at least become Gov- 
ernor of his native state. Then, still seeing 
some signs of skepticism in her eyes, he had 
feebly expressed the hope that Barry would 
at least become the Mayor of Cleverly. 

And so the letter went on in an impulsive, 
good-natured way. It sounded like a chat by 
the fireside; it was all so familiar and so 
natural. Finally, the fond mother assured 
Barry that he was the biggest kind of a suc- 
cess, and that the few little faults, which had 
insisted upon popping out at inopportune mo- 
ments, should be utilized by him as the means 
of arriving at perfection. Barry was sensible 
enough to realize that his mother was a par- 
tial judge, but all the same her letter gave 
him immense satisfaction. He felt a curious 
glow of contentment in his heart and he 

254 


SORELY TEMPTED 


thought, as he stood before the glass combing 
his hair, that he was a pretty good sort of a 
fellow after all. 

At that moment, of all others, his glance 
happened to fall upon an evening newspaper 
that had been thrown across the bed. He 
began to read the headlines in a perfunctory 
sort of way. The Cleverly bill had been post- 
poned and possibly beaten. He ceased comb- 
ing his hair and sat down on the side of the 
bed like a person who had been suddenly 
stricken with some physical ailment. Pres- 
ently, he recovered his breath and read the 
article through. The statements they con- 
tained brought the hot blush of indignation 
to his cheeks. He felt in a vague sort of way 
that Joel Phipps must be at the bottom of all 
this trickery. 

Mechanically he finished his toilet, thinking 
in a numbed way of the misfortune that had 
befallen Mr. Carlton. One thing he regretted, 
and that was the fact that he had not been 
there. He was not foolish enough to think 

255 


BARRY WYNN 


it would have made any difference, but he felt 
somehow or other that it might have softened 
the blow to his benefactor. 

He was preparing to go to the business 
school where he had made such progress in 
stenography and typewriting that he was al- 
most ready to graduate. He was a tidy boy, 
and tonight, as on other occasions, he changed 
his suit so that he would make a good appear- 
ance before his fellow students. He reached 
for his coat, in the closet, and put it on. As 
he did so his attention was attracted by some 
crinkly substance in the inside pocket; it was 
bulky, too. He put his hand in and drew out 
the paper. The sight that met his eyes drew 
forth a groan of despair. 

It was the missing bill — the Cleverly Naval 
Repair Station bill! 

The whole miserable business came to him 
with a certainty and directness that left no 
room for doubt. He remembered receiving 
the bill from Mr. Carlton and he recalled, only 
too vividly, the message of the Congressman. 

256 


SORELY TEMPTED 


He was to return the bill to Joel Phipps on 
his way to luncheon. And he had failed to 
do so. That was the great, big irritating fact 
that stuck out like a sore finger. 

He thought of the consequences of his care- 
lessness, and he actually moaned. To have 
failed in his duty would have been bad enough 
under any circumstances, but to involve the 
fortunes and the reputations of others was 
almost too dreadful to think about. He picked 
up the newspaper and read it through again. 
Every sentence was like a knife to the sensi- 
tive boy. 

He remembered with a pang of remorse that 
Joel Phipps had been accused — at least by 
innuendo — of trickery. He had thought so 
himself. What an injustice to a man who was 
probably better in every way than himself! 
He looked on the very darkest side of the 
picture. Suppose, as seemed probable, that 
the people of Cleverly should lose the coveted 
Naval Station. They could charge their loss 
to an insignificant page boy. But that, bad 

257 


BARRY WYNN 


as it sounded, was only one phase of the case. 
The incident might be the means of ending 
the public career of John Carlton. The thought 
brought tears to his eyes. 

The newspapers had hinted that the disap- 
pearance of the bill would prove to be the 
beginning of a bitter factional warfare. He 
tried to dismiss the notion as absurd. And yet, 
greater events have proceeded from smaller 
causes. He remembered reading how a stupid 
cow, by kicking over an oil lamp in a stable, 
had caused the burning of the great city of 
Chicago. 

At this point in his reflections a new and 
alarming question presented itself to his mind. 
Now that he had found the missing bill, what 
should he do with it? The thought made his 
heart beat violently. To confess that he was 
responsible for all the trouble seemed too 
humiliating to contemplate. The story had 
become public property. He would be .drawn 
into the limelight. What would Mr. Carlton 
think? What would he say? How would the 
258 


SORELY TEMPTED 


announcement of the truth be received by his 
opponents? They would gloat over it beyond 
a doubt. Already he could see the jeering face 
of Joel Phipps. 

Suddenly an idea flashed in his mind — an 
idea so unexpected and yet so plausible that it 
made him throw himself on the bed. It was 
simple, and yet, at first, it was awful. It 
entered his mind in the shape of a question. 
Why should he say anything about finding the 
bill? Why not destroy it, or if not that, why 
not slip it back with the other bills without 
the knowledge of Joel Phipps or the members 
of the Committee. It would require a little 
ingenuity, but it could be accomplished. 

He lay there on his back on the bed gazing 
at the ceiling, and revolving the question in his 
mind. There hardly seemed to be any room 
for debate. He had just about convinced him- 
self that he should remain silent concerning 
his discovery when a clear, small voice cried 
out: 

''Would it be square? Would it be hon- 

259 


BARRY WYNN 

est? Could you look yourself in the face 
afterward? ” 

He roused himself and sat up straight in 
bed. He looked about him. No one was in 
the room. The voice that he heard was evi- 
dently the voice of his inner consciousness. 

Immediately another voice, lower and more 
persuasive, attracted his attention. It was ar- 
gumentative. What good would it do anyone, 
said this voice, to humiliate yourself? The 
harm has been done. It cannot be repaired. 
You only injure yourself without benefiting 
Mr. Carlton. Just forget that you found the 
bill and that will be the end of the whole, ugly 
business. 

But could you ever forget it ? ’’ warned the 
small, clear voice. ‘‘ Would n’t the remem- 
brance of it hang over you like a heavy cloud ? 
Beside that, would n’t you put yourself in the 
position of deliberately deceiving the best friend 
you ever had ? ” 

Barry jumped from the bed with a physical 
determination which meant that he had arrived 
260 


SORELY TEMPTED 


at his decision. In his excitement and eager- 
ness, he spoke aloud: 

I ’ll go to Mr. Carlton and tell him the 
whole story.” 

It had been a hard battle. It showed in his 
face. But the small, clear voice of conscience 
had won a decisive victory over the low, per- 
suasive one of temptation. Barry was sur- 
prised at the great relief he experienced the 
moment he arrived at his decision. He still 
felt very sorry, of course, at his sin of omis- 
sion, and he was wondering how he should 
phrase his confession. But outside of these 
details, his mind was no longer troubled. He 
had a feeling of mental tranquillity that it 
would be difficult to put into words. 

It was hardly nine o’clock, but he resolved 
to find Mr. Carlton if he had to tramp the 
entire city of Washington to do so. He hastily 
finished his dressing and left the house. Mrs. 
Johnson was standing at the door. She no- 
ticed that his face was pale and his manner 
determined. 

261 


BARRY WYNN 


'' Is there anything I can do for you, 
Barry?’’ she asked. 

No, Mrs. Johnson,” he replied, lightly. 

But down in his heart of hearts there 
was an unutterable desire to throw him- 
self upon her bosom and tell her his trou- 
bles. How he longed at that moment for 
five minutes with his mother. But it was 
decreed that he should bear his burden 
alone. 

He went first to John Carlton’s hotel, where 
he was told that the Congressman had gone 
out an hour before, leaving word that he would 
not return until late that night. Barry pro- 
ceeded on his way to the office building of the 
members of the House of Representatives. He 
noticed a light in Mr. Carlton’s room. He was 
shaking now with a nervousness that he could 
not understand. But his purpose to make a 
clean breast of the mystery was unaltered and 
unalterable. 

He paused for a moment and then knocked 
on the door. There was no response. The boy, 
262 


SORELY TEMPTED 


waiting there like a culprit, began to hope that 
after all his friend might not be in his office. 
But he screwed up his courage to the sticking 
point and knocked again. A familiar voice 
called out: 

Come in.’’ 

The page boy opened the door and walked 
in the room. Mr. Carlton merely raised his 
eyes and said pleasantly: 

''Hello, Barry; how are you?” 

The boy was silent. The Congressman was 
so absorbed in his work that he did not no- 
tice the long pause in the conversation. When 
he looked up the second time he was startled 
at the sight that met his gaze. Barry’s face 
was the color of chalk. He appeared to have 
shrivelled so much that his clothes hung from 
his body. 

" Are you ill ? ” asked the statesman, with 
real concern in his voice. 

" No,” said Barry, huskily; " I ’ve found the 
bill!” 

" Well,” laughing and surprised in the same 
263 


BARRY WYNN 


breath, I ’m glad to hear that, but you need n’t 
be so solemn about it.” 

The boy was tongue-tied. He stood on one 
foot and then on the other. 

‘Where was it found?” finally asked the 
Congressman. 

“ Where it was not lost,” blurted out Barry. 
“ I found it in my coat pocket ! ” 

Carlton’s face clouded. 

“ You come here to tell me this? ” he said, 
sternly. 

“ Yes,” nodded Barry, his eyes on the floor. 
“ It ’s been an awful struggle, but I had to 
tell you.” 

John Carlton was silent for a long, long 
while. His eyes were never removed from the 
boy’s face for a moment. His own jaws were 
set in an ugly fashion. But presently it dawned 
upon him that Barry was very worn and hag- 
gard. At once he relented. He spoke mildly: 

“ You know all the trouble you have 
caused? ” 

“ Only too well,” exclaimed the boy. “ It 
264 



His eyes were never removed from the boy’s face for a 

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SORELY TEMPTED 


was utter carelessness on my part. I would 
not have had it happen for the world ! I — ’’ 

“ You never returned the bill/’ interrupted 
Carlton. 

''No; I forgot it. I changed my coat. The 
bill was in the inside pocket. I found it there 
tonight. I ’m ready to pay the penalty. I ’ll 
resign my position if — ” 

" Barry — ” began the Congressman. 

"Yes, sir; yes, sir,” cried the young page 
in his agitation, breaking into the other’s 
remarks- 

" Barry,” resumed Carlton, in a voice that 
was singularly gentle, " you ’ve already paid 
the penalty.” 

" Already paid it ? ” 

" Yes — you ’ve suffered, and you ’ve done 
the manly thing by coming right to me and 
telling the truth.” 

Barry looked at him with gratitude beaming 
from his eyes. 

"You think so?” 

" I know it. We all have to pay for our 
265 


BARRY WYNN 

sins of omission and our sins of commission. 
You Ve done the only thing that mortal can 
do. You’re sorry; you’ve confessed — and, 
I ’m sure it will be the lesson of a lifetime.” 

I ’m positive of that,” was the fervent 
response. 

''Well,” said Carlton, rising and putting his 
arm about the boy’s shoulder, " you can go 
home now and go to sleep with a good 
conscience.” 


266 


CHAPTER XX 


HUDSON PLAYS POLITICS 

At ten o’clock the next morning Barry Wynn 
walked into the rooms of the Committee on 
Public Buildings, and coolly handed Joel 
Phipps the missing bill. 

Here is a document that belongs to the 
Committee,” he said. 

Phipps looked at the bill and gasped. 

What ? The Cleverly bill ? ” 

Yes; Mr. Carlton gave it to me to return 
to you before the meeting of the Committee. I 
forgot all about it. I found it in my coat 
pocket last night and went and told him. He 
instructed me to hand it to you this morning. 
I ’m sorry it happened.” 

The clerk seemed too stunned to speak. 
When he recovered his breath he broke out 
into a string of adjectives. 

'' Well, of all the cheeky kids, you ’re 
267 


BARRY WYNN 

about the worst I ever met/’ was the 
peroration. 

“ I said I was sorry/’ said Barry, half 
resentfully. 

Joel sneered. 

You don’t suppose you can get anyone to 
believe that, do you ? ” 

'' What do you mean ? ” 

I mean that it looks like a bit of tricky 
business on the part of Mr. Carlton and 
yourself.” 

Barry’s eyes blazed. 

Don’t you dare to reflect on Mr. Carlton,” 
he cried. He did n’t know a thing about it. 
Besides, he defended you before the Commit- 
tee. Have you forgotten that ? ” 

Joel was mollified. 

That ’s so. I take back what I said about 
him. But it looks bad for you.” 

The return of the bill caused a mild sensa- 
tion in Congressional circles. Most of Mr. 
Carlton’s associates accepted the explanation 
by the young page. But a number of others, 
268 


HUDSON PLAYS POLITICS 


who desired to make political capital out of 
the incident, magnified its importance and tried 
to make it appear that the Congressman had 
been guilty of the folly of stealing his own 
bill. 

When Barry heard this he was very much 
perturbed. He hurried to the office of his 
benefactor. 

“ I can’t tell you how badly I feel, Mr. Carl- 
ton,” he said ; '' is n’t there anything I can 
do to make reparation for my folly ? ” 

'' No,” was the mild reply, '' you can do noth- 
ing more than you have done. It will be a 
nine days’ wonder and after that it will be 
forgotten.” 

'' I ’ll not forget it very soon,” said the boy, 
soberly. 

'' No,” admitted the Congressman, '' and 
Barry, that ’s the worst of our faults. They 
leave marks that are sometimes never entirely 
eliminated by time. My father tried to illus- 
trate the fact for me when I was a boy. He 
had a fine piece of walnut that he intended to 
269 


BARRY WYNN 


utilize in making a piece of furniture. It was 
smoothly planed and polished. One rainy day, 
with the destructiveness of youth, I hammered 
it full of nails. I was not a vicious boy, but I 
knew that I was doing wrong.’’ 

''What did he say?” asked Barry eagerly. 

" He was very much grieved, but instead of 
thrashing me, as I expected, he made me pull 
the nails out one by one. After that he gave 
me a plane and bade me smooth the board off 
as best I could. Finally I was told to putty 
up the holes. After that he asked me if I 
thought the board was as good as it had been 
before I disfigured it.” 

" Of course, it was n’t,” commented Barry. 

" No, it was not. The marks of the nails 
were still there. And he used the fact to con- 
vey a moral lesson. He told me the same thing 
happened every time a boy was guilty of a fault 
or a sin, — he damaged his character to that 
extent. The inference is plain. While we 
must do our best to repair the wrongs we do, 
we cannot forget that the scars still remain.” 

270 


HUDSON PLAYS POLITICS 


If Mr. Carlton and Barry imagined that the 
incident of the missing bill was closed, they 
were doomed to disappointment. While they 
were still talking, the door opened and Felix 
Conway came in, his forehead wrinkled with 
indignation. The Congressman, who was a 
self-contained man, could not help smiling. 
What ’s the matter now ? ’’ 

Matter enough,’’ retorted the correspon- 
dent, Hudson ’s playing peanut politics.” 

It ’s the only kind he knows,” was the 
placid retort. 

'' But you would n’t think he ’d fight a boy.” 
What is it?” asked Carlton, with a trace 
of impatience. What ’s he doing now?” 

'' He ’s written a letter to the Sergeant-at- 
Arms, demanding the dismissal of Barry 
Wynn on the charge of conduct unbecoming 
an employe of the Government. In a word, 
he ’s after the official scalp of our young 
friend.” 

John Carlton sprang from his chair, his 
honest face red with anger. He brought his 
271 


BARRY WYNN 


big fist down on the desk in front of him with 
such force that the ink bottles danced in sym- 
pathy with his passion. 

''Well, he won’t get it — and you can tell 
him that for me.” 

Conway laughed in spite of himself. 

" You ’re not taking this thing seriously too, 
are you ? ” 

" So much so that I ’ll stake my reputation 
on beating Hudson.” 

But the journalist held up a restraining 
hand. 

" One moment, please,” he said, " this is my 
business, and I ’d like you to keep out of it — 
for the present, at least.” 

" I ’d like to know why.” 

" Because I have my own notion of the way 
in which it should be handled.” 

"All right, go ahead; but I don’t propose 
to sit still and see him hurt the boy.” 

Barry intervened at this stage of the con- 
versation. 

" Mr. Carlton,” he said, very earnestly, 
272 


HUDSON PLAYS POLITICS 


I ’m very grateful for your good will and 
your friendship, but I hope you will not permit 
me to stand in your way politically. I 'm not 
blind. I know that I Ve brought this thing on 
myself, and I ’m willing to take the conse- 
quences. It ’s not fair to ask you to bear the 
brunt of my faults, and I don’t expect it.” 

My dear Barry,” said the Congressman, 
soothingly, ‘'Jesse Hudson’s not after you; 
he ’s after me. Now, I must either fight him 
or turn tail and run. Surely you would n’t ask 
me — ” 

“ No, no,” said the boy, eagerly, “ I never 
thought of that side of it.” 

“ By the way, Conway,” remarked Carlton, 
turning to the correspondent, “ did Hudson 
write privately to the Sergeant-at- Arms ? ” 

The journalist laughed. 

“ Not much. He gave his letter to all the 
newspapers. That ’s what made me hot. He ’s 
courting publicity, and I ’ll bet he gets all he 
wants before he is through.” 

“ Well,” said the Congressman, “ what is 

273 


BARRY WYNN 


your desire with me? I know you did n’t come 
here just for the pleasure of denouncing 
Hudson.” 

I want a short, snappy interview with you 
defending Barry from the charge of inten- 
tional wrong. Then I want a few sharp com- 
ments on what you think of a Congressman 
who will strike at a boy in order to revenge 
himself on a political opponent.” 

'' You know how I feel.” 

Yes.” 

‘‘ Well, make me say anything you want. 
Go as far as you like.” 

Felix Conway was not the man to do things 
by halves. He took John Carlton at his word 
and evolved an interview that was a mixture 
of brimstone and vitriol. It made the oldest 
members of the House sit up and gasp with 
wonder. The resourceful journalist did not 
stop at this. He had interviews with half a 
dozen Congressmen, all denouncing Hudson 
for his cowardice. Finally, there was a car- 
toon on the front page of his paper. It de- 
274 


HUDSON PLAYS POLITICS 


picted Hudson as a giant lifting a big club 
marked Revenge '' against a very small page 
boy. 

Conway made it his business to see that a 
copy of his paper was placed on the desk of 
every member. When Carlton entered the 
House he was surrounded by a group of mem- 
bers who shook hands with him, heartily con- 
gratulating him on the forceful interview they 
had read in the morning paper. 

It was right to the point,'' said one enthu- 
siastic Westerner, it was what we call ‘ hot 
stuff.’ ” 

Carlton smiled at the recollection of his talk 
with Conway. 

‘‘ I only deserve part of the praise," he said ; 
'' most of it belongs to our friend Felix. He 's 
the brightest reporter in Washington." 

Hudson, on his entrance, found that he was 
looked upon with coldness. He realized before 
long that his latest move against Carlton had 
been a mistake. He was furious over the 
counter attack which had been made against 

275 


BARRY WYNN 


him by Felix Conway, but he was helpless to 
resist it. Moreover, such members as did not 
openly condemn his own charge against Barry 
Wynn, slyly ridiculed him. He could not stand 
that. Few public men can stand up against 
ridicule. So, at the first opportunity, Hudson 
slipped out of the House and disappeared from 
view. 

During a lull in the proceedings Mr. Carl- 
ton left his desk and started for the office of 
the Sergeant-at-Arms. He met Conway in the 
corridor. 

Hello, where are you bound for?’' asked 
the journalist. 

'' To thrash out this threat of Hudson’s,” 
was the response. I ’m going to get a copy of 
the charges, and then it will be a fight to the 
finish.” 

‘‘ I reckon you won’t have much trouble,” 
said Conway, with the Southern drawl that 
he used occasionally. 

‘‘Won’t you go along to see fair play?” 
laughed the Congressman. 

276 


HUDSON PLAYS POLITICS 


'' No/’ was the reply, with a curious laugh. 

I ’ve got all sorts of confidence in your ability 
to take care of yourself, and I have no sym- 
pathy with the other fellow.” 

Five minutes later Carlton was facing the 
Sergeant-at-Arms of the House. That offi- 
cial, who knew him well, greeted him most 
hospitably. 

McDonald,” said the Congressman, ‘‘ I 
understand that charges were filed with you 
against Barry Wynn. Is that correct?” 

Yes, sir; it is.” 

‘‘ Well, sir, I ’m here to answer in his behalf. 
I ’d like to have a copy of the charges. I ’m 
ready to answer them.” 

‘‘ Very sorry,” said the other, with a strange 
smile, but I can’t oblige you.” 

Why not,” asked Carlton, bristling up at 
once. 

Because there are no charges now.” 

No charges now ? What do you mean ? ” 

The Sergeant-at-Arms did an amazing 
thing. He winked at the Congressman. 

277 


BARRY WYNN 

After that he spoke with a significant 
emphasis. 

'' Hudson beat you by about ten minutes ; 
he ’s withdrawn the charges, and says I 'm to 
consider them as never having been made.’^ 
Carlton looked at him blankly. 

Well, that beats the old Harry,’' he said, 
finally; ‘‘how do you account for it.” 

“ I should say,” said the other, slowly, “ that 
Hudson ’s action was prompted by the force 
of public opinion.” 

“The force of public opinion?” echoed the 
Congressman. 

“Yes,” repeated McDonald, slyly, “the 
force of public opinion as represented by Mr. 
Felix Conway.” 


278 


CHAPTER XXI 


CONWAY MAKES A HIT 

In less than a week the incident of the miss- 
ing bill was relegated to the lumber room of 
forgotten events. As Mr. Carlton had pre- 
dicted, other and more important things arose 
to occupy the minds of the national legislators. 

But Barry Wynn did not forget the disas- 
trous affair quite so readily. It remained in his 
mind as a warning for the future. It was a 
red light waving him away from the edge of 
many a dangerous precipice. But blessings 
often come in disguise, and eventually this 
lapse proved to be a good thing for the young 
page boy. He became more careful, accurate 
and painstaking. He never again postponed 
until “ after a while ’’ the task that could be 
done at once. 

But in the meantime, the incident itself, while 
forgotten by Congressmen, led to unexpected 
279 


BARRY WYNN 


complications. What had been a single-handed 
battle between Hudson and Carlton now broad- 
ened out until it became a spirited contest be- 
tween those who favored the reform bills of 
the Administration and those who opposed 
them. Like most contentions of this kind, what 
had been a trivial matter grew to great pro- 
portions. The incident of the missing bill 
might have been likened to a pebble thrown 
into a placid stream, creating circle after circle 
until all of the waters were in commotion. 

For the next few weeks there was a ferment 
of factional politics. Even those who tried to 
keep out of the unpleasant muss were drawn 
into it as the peaceful waters are sometimes 
sucked into a fierce eddy. Meetings, large and 
small, were being held every day. There were 
conferences, caucuses, and secret gatherings of 
all kinds. One morning Felix Conway sent for 
Barry Wynn in a great hurry. 

Barry,’’ he said, when the boy appeared, 
'' there is to be a very important meeting this 
afternoon, composed of the men who are fight- 
280 


CONWAY MAKES A HIT 


ing the reform measures of the Administra- 
tion. I want to get a good report of that 
gathering, but I am afraid that if I go to the 
meeting the members who know me will shut 
up like clams and I will have my labor for my 
pains.’’ 

''Well,” questioned Barry, "how can I help 
you?” 

" Very easily,” was the quick reply. " Your 
shorthand is good, is n’t it ? ” 

" Yes, it is. I think I have accuracy and 
speed.” 

" Well, you ’re just the boy I want. First 
of all, I want a list of those who are present, 
and after that I would like very much to get 
a verbatim report of the remarks of some of 
the principal speakers. Will you help me?” 

Barry thought for a moment before replying. 

" Well,” he said, finally, " if you think that I 
am competent to do the work, I am willing to 
undertake it.” 

Conway laughed. 

" There is no question at all about your com- 
281 


BARRY WYNN 

petency. The only point to consider now is 
your courage.” 

“ My courage? ” echoed Barry. 

Yes, your courage. Some pretty hot- 
headed men expect to attend that meeting. If 
they thought that you were there to report it, 
they would not hesitate to take you up by the 
scruff of the neck and the seat of the trousers 
and toss you out of a convenient window.” 

Barry laughed at this description, and then 
was silent for a moment. 

“ Well, my boy,” cried the journalist, if 
you ’re not game I won’t press the proposition.” 

I am game enough,” retorted Barry, '' but 
I would n’t want to do anything that was n’t 
decent.” 

'' What do you mean ? ” 

'' I mean that I would not like the notion of 
any underhand work. I don’t take much stock 
in this business of peeping through keyholes 
and things of that kind.” 

Conway’s face flushed. 

'' You don’t suppose I would ask you to do 
282 


CONWAY MAKES A HIT 

anything that I would n’t do myself, do 
you?” 

No.” 

Well, then there is no more to be said. 
This is a meeting of public men to consider 
public business, and the public has a right to 
know all about it.” 

But you don’t care to go there yourself? ” 
suggested Barry. 

'' No. For the reason that I have already told 
you. The sight of me would frighten those fel- 
lows, and the public would thereby be deprived 
of information which it has a right to.” 

I ’ll go,” cried Barry, ending the parley, 
and I will promise to do the best I can for 
you.” 

The meeting was held in a secluded Com- 
mittee room on the ground floor of the Capitol. 
There were thirty or forty men present, and 
when Barry reached the door of the room it 
was pretty well filled. Joel Phipps stood at the 
entrance scanning the members as they came 
in. Just as Barry arrived someone called 
283 


BARRY WYNN 


Phipps to the other end of the room, and in the 
interval while the door was unguarded, the boy 
slipped in and made his way through the crowd 
to the last row of chairs. A tall, good-natured 
member, seeing him, cried out : 

'' What district do you represent, my boy? ’’ 
Before Barry had time to respond, another 
member, glancing at him, replied carelessly : 

'' Oh, that 's one of the page boys.” 

When the meeting was called to order a few 
minutes later, Barry found himself almost 
hidden in a corner of the room. The men 
around him were so large and he was so small 
and so quiet that he was completely unnoticed. 
Joel Phipps called the role and Barry was able 
to take the names down. After the members 
had responded to their names there was a gen- 
eral discussion of the various bills that were 
pending in the House of Representatives. 
Mention was made of the fact that the Admin- 
istration was beginning to bring pressure to 
bear upon certain members in order to enact 
various reform measures into law. 

284 


CONWAY MAKES A HIT 


The sensation of the meeting came when 
Jesse Hudson arose and made a spirited attack 
upon the Administration. He did not mince 
words. He said just what he thought, and some 
of his thoughts were not very pleasant. He 
concluded by saying that he was firmly opposed 
to certain reform measures that were being 
backed by the Administration, and that he 
would vote against them and hoped that other 
members would do the same. 

One or two Congressmen followed Hudson, 
and spoke in a similar vein. Finally, resolu- 
tions were adopted pledging all those present 
to work together. The meeting adjourned 
after the appointment of three members for the 
purpose of gaining recruits among those who 
had not attended the meeting. 

Barry, who had been taking down the pro- 
ceedings in shorthand, managed to slip out of 
the room unobserved. He took a trolley car 
and went to his own room in order that he 
might be able to transcribe his notes without 
interruption. In two hours his report was in 
285 


BARRY WYNN 


the hands of Felix Conway. They proved to 
be the groundwork for one of the biggest 
political articles that had been written for 
many a long day. 

The following morning Conway’s news- 
paper appeared with a great, big, exclusive 
story which took the Capitol by storm. It told 
in detail, not only the story of the meeting, but 
also the plans that had been formulated for the 
balance of the session of Congress. The rival 
newspaper men were furious because they 
realized that Conway had secured what every- 
body in journalistic circles call “ the scoop of 
the session.” The Congressmen who partici- 
pated in the meeting were angry at this unex- 
pected exposure, but the President and his 
supporters, who were backing the reform bills, 
were delighted beyond measure, and before 
nightfall Conway was complimented by a let- 
ter in the handwriting of the Chief Executive 
of the nation, inviting him to call at the White 
House. 


286 


CHAPTER XXII 


PROOF CONCLUSIVE 

There was no doubt about the effect of the 
publication of the story concerning the meet- 
ing of the Congressmen. It was a genuine 
sensation. It was like an unexpected explo- 
sion of a bombshell. There was a run to cover. 
Nearly all of those who had attended the meet- 
ing went out of their way to disavow personal 
responsibility for having called it together. 
Others, while admitting their presence at the 
meeting, and conceding their opposition to cer- 
tain legislation, said they wanted it understood 
that they did not endorse all of the rash state- 
ments made by the speakers at the meeting. 

Jesse Hudson found himself the centre of 
a raging storm. One after another of the men 
who had attended the meeting came to Hudson 
and protested against the publicity they had 
received. 


287 


BARRY WYNN 


What do you mean by involving me in an 
affair of this kind? ” said one big fellow from 
California. '' I 'd like to know why you 
selected me to pull your chestnuts out of the 
fire.’’ 

'' You did n’t object last night,” retorted 
Hudson, hotly. 

'' No,” was the answer, “ but at that time 
I had no idea that the story of this meeting was 
to be spread broadcast.” 

'' Nor did I,” said Hudson, drily. 

Before the day was over the protests became 
so numerous and so insistent that Hudson was 
driven in a corner, so to speak. He realized 
that he would have to do something to save 
himself from the sea of unpopularity in which 
he threatened to be engulfed. Finally he be- 
gan, in a mild sort of way, to deny the truth- 
fulness of the report in the newspaper. He 
thought, vaguely, that at best, it would be 
simply Conway’s word against his own, and in 
such a contest, he thought he might stand a 
chance to come out even. 

288 


PROOF CONCLUSIVE 


But Felix Conway was not the man to sub- 
mit to an injustice of any kind. He promptly 
sought the Congressman and said: 

“ Mr. Hudson, I understand that you have 
questioned the accuracy of my report. I chal- 
lenge you to refute any portion of it ! ” 
Hudson was manifestly annoyed. 

'' I have no time to bother with you,’' he 
said. I think you have done enough mis- 
chief, and I am too busy to be disturbed 
just now.” 

Conway laughed joyously. 

'' Well, I 'd like it to be understood,” he said, 
that I am always ready for a disturbance.” 

I '11 give you all you want some other time,” 
was the snappy rejoinder. 

Later in the day Conway learned that while 
Hudson admitted that there had been a meet- 
ing, he denied the accuracy of the reported 
speech in which he had been placed on record 
as declaring himself against the President’s 
policies. This was put out in such a plausible 
manner that it made an impression on more 
289 


BARRY WYNN 


than one member; hence, before the day was 
over, there was a general feeling among a large 
number of the members that Conway, while 
correct in the main, had taken unwarranted 
liberties in reporting Hudson’s speech. Con- 
way first learned of this impression when he 
met the venerable statesman who was the 
Chairman of the Committee that had charge 
of the press galleries of Congress. 

Senator Graves was a statesman of the old 
school. He wore a high silk hat and a long 
frock coat, and was smoothly shaven and spoke 
in well modulated sentences. His whole man- 
ner and appearance was against the prevailing 
spirit of speed. 

Conway,” he said, solemnly, I under- 
stand that you have been printing some sensa- 
tional stufif. In other words, to put it plainly, 
I understand that you have been sending out 
misleading reports concerning members of 
Congress.” 

Does anyone make the charge ? ” asked 
Conway, quickly. 


290 


PROOF CONCLUSIVE 


No/’ said the Congressman, “ but the re- 
port is being circulated so persistently that it 
gives me great annoyance.” 

'' I can’t meet rumor,” said Conway, '' but 
if you can produce anyone who makes such a 
charge specifically, I shall be glad to face him.” 

‘‘ My dear boy,” was the reply, '' I don’t want 
you to think for a moment that I have any fault 
to find with you. My experience is that you 
have never abused the privileges, or broken any 
of the rules which govern the press galleries 
of the House or Senate. You know as well as 
I do how carefully we have tried to guard these 
privileges, and the measures that have been 
taken to keep unworthy persons from obtaining 
access to the floors or galleries of Congress.” 

I understand it very well. Senator,” was 
the reply, and for that reason, I am most 
anxious to clear myself of even a suggestion 
of having done anything improper.” 

'' Well, there is nothing more to say,” was 
the response, '' as there are no charges, there 
can be no investigation.” 

291 


BARRY WYNN 


But/’ persisted the journalist, I want an 
investigation/’ 

What for?” 

‘‘ For my own satisfaction and for your satis- 
faction. I will regard it as a great favor if 
you will go into this matter personally.” 

'' Well, really,” began the other, '‘I — ” 

'' Senator,” pleaded Conway, '' I want you 
to do this as a personal favor.” 

Very well,” said the statesman, relenting, 
if you put it that way I don’t see how I can 
refuse you.” 

Thank you, very much, and now if you will 
fix an hour that will suit your convenience to- 
night, I shall be glad to bring you the evidence 
that will convince you that I have acted in good 
faith.” 

All right,” was the response, you may 
meet me at my hotel at eight o’clock.” 

The statesman had started away when Con- 
way called to him : 

'' Oh, Senator, one other word.” 

What is it,” asked Mr. Graves, pausing. 

292 


PROOF CONCLUSIVE 


I ’d like you to have an expert stenographer 
at your room/’ 

‘‘ Why, I did n’t think you wanted an official 
investigation.” 

I don’t.” 

“ Well, then, what do you want a man to 
take notes for ? ” 

I don’t. I simply want a stenographer who 
can read the notes of another person.” 

Mr. Graves looked puzzled. 

Well, have it your own way. I ’ll be there, 
and have a stenographer in attendance also.” 

Promptly at eight o’clock that night Felix 
Conway reported at the rooms of Senator 
Graves. Barry Wynn was with him, and 
carried in his pocket the book he had used in 
making his shorthand notes of the afternoon 
meeting. 

The Senator waved them all to a seat and 
then introduced Mr. Conway and Barry to a 
young man who was present and who proved to 
be one of the official stenographers of the House 
of Representatives. 


293 


BARRY WYNN 


‘‘ Senator/' said Conway, in the voice of an 
attorney addressing a jury, my evidence will 
be brief and to the point. I have to present 
Mr. Barry Wynn, who is responsible for the 
report of the speeches made at the meeting in 
question." 

Barry, thus introduced, stepped forward and 
handed his note book to the Senator. 

This contains the remarks that I reported 
at the meeting," he said. I have enclosed an 
affidavit which declares that they are the iden- 
tical shorthand notes taken by me at the 
meeting." 

“ What now ? " asked the Senator, looking 
at Mr. Conway. 

I 'd like your stenographer to read these 
notes." 

The young man, thus called upon, read from 
the book in a clear and distinct voice. The 
transcript that he made from the notes was 
identical with the report of the speeches that 
Felix Conway had made in his newspaper. 

That is sufficient," said Senator Graves, and 
294 


PROOF CONCLUSIVE 


rising, and putting one hand on Conway’s shoul- 
der and the other on Barry’s, he said : 

There is nothing further to be said in the 
matter. You boys know your business. You 
have the proof conclusive that you were in the 
right. No one can successfully attack Mr. 
Conway’s report.” 


295 


CHAPTER XXIII 


WHAT BARRY OVERHEARD 

John Carlton was very much concerned with 
the current political developments and felt a 
particular interest in the storm which had been 
aroused by Jesse Hudson’s ill advised meeting. 
He was discussing the situation with a fellow 
member of the House when he was joined by 
Felix Conway, his Celtic face aglow with 
enthusiasm. 

‘‘We’ve got ’em going, Mr. Carlton!” he 
exclaimed. 

The Congressman nodded soberly. 

“ Yes, you ’ve got ’em going, all right,” he 
assented. 

The journalist was quick to catch the note of 
doubt in his friend’s voice. 

“ I hope you ’re not afraid of a battle,” he 
said, somewhat nettled. 

296 


WHAT BARRY OVERHEARD 


Carlton looked at him a moment before reply- 
ing. Then he spoke rather deliberately. 

'' No, Felix; I am not afraid of a battle. I 
am not afraid of war either. I went through 
one war, as )^ou know, and I Ve got some scars on 
me to show for it. But there is one thing you 
must not forget. There is hardly ever a battle 
or a war without a list of killed and wounded.” 

Conway was disposed to be argumentative. 

'' That ’s true,” he admitted, '' but you will 
have to admit that it ’s a glorious thing to die 
in a good cause.” 

'' It ’s a glorious thing for the survivors,” 
assented the Congressman, '' but I don’t know 
how the killed and wounded feel about it.” 

'' Your bill comes up tomorrow, I believe,” 
he said. 

'' Yes,” responded Mr. Carlton, '' and that ’s 
what I have been thinking about all the time.” 
Don’t you feel sure about it? ” 

I wish I could. It was all right a few weeks 
ago, but since this factional fight has sprung up, 
I hardly know where we stand. You know 
297 


BARRY WYNN 

these contests create enmities that are hard to 
heal. It ’s another case of the killed and 
wounded. You fellows may win your fight 
against Hudson and his crowd, but my poor 
bill for the erection of a Naval Repair Station 
in Cleverly may be numbered among the killed.^’ 
I never thought of that part of it,” said 
Felix, and I am mighty sorry to know that 
your interests have been put in jeopardy. If 
I had to do it over again I ’d probably change 
my tactics.” 

Carlton took Felix by both hands. He spoke 
fervently : 

My dear boy,” he said, I would n't have 
you do any such thing for the world. I have n’t 
a single regret for anything that has been done. 
I have been simply trying to look the situation 
in the face. I know I 'm up against a hard fight 
and I don’t want to deceive myself, — that ’s all. 
I am not repining in the least, and you will dis- 
cover that I am not afraid of the fight.” 

Conway’s face brightened again. 

'' Now, you make me feel better,” he said, 
298 


WHAT BARRY OVERHEARD 


but, seriously, don’t you think you will get 
away with the trick? ” 

'' Yes, I do. It ’s going to be mighty close, 
but I think I ’ll win.” 

'' When is the meeting? ” 

It has been called for three o’clock to- 
morrow afternoon.” 

By George! That ’s short notice.” 

'' Yes, it is, and that ’s why I have been giving 
some serious thought to the proposition. I 
have counted noses a dozen times today, and 
I am willing to take my oath that I have got 
a sure majority of two votes.” 

That ’s good, but it ’s close.” 

Yes, but in a hot race a nose is as good as 
a mile.” 

Conway seemed lost in thought for a while. 
Presently he spoke in a tone of half admira- 
tion and half wonder : 

'' You know, Mr. Carlton,” he said, the 
more I think of it the more I am surprised at 
what you have told me.” 

'' What do you mean ? ” 

299 


BARRY WYNN 


‘‘ I simply mean that in the face of this bitter 
factional fight it is almost a miracle that an 
overwhelming majority of the Committee has 
not declared against your bill.” 

Oh, I don't know about that,” was the calm 
rejoinder. “ Men can't afford to lose their 
heads altogether. Besides, there are other 
members that have bills that they want passed.'* 

‘'What do you mean by that?” was the 
quick interrogation. 

“ I mean that successful legislation is largely 
a matter of compromise.” 

Barry, who had been listening, now spoke 
firmly but with due deference. 

“ I don't like to hear you talk like that,” he 
said, “ it does n't sound right.” 

The Congressman laughed. 

“ I am surprised to hear you talking in such 
a strain, Barry. I thought that a boy of your 
experience would know that life is a game of 
give and take. The men that come to Wash- 
ington to represent their constituents simply 
carry out this universal law in a concrete way.” 

300 


WHAT BARRY OVERHEARD 


The page boy shook his head laughingly. 

Now, you Te getting too deep for me,” he 
said. If you go much farther I won^t be able 
to follow you at all.” 

Why, it 's as plain as the nose on your 
face,” retorted the other. '' Nearly all impor- 
tant legislation takes the form of log-rolling. 
Theorists who have never gotten down to the 
rough-and-tumble of real life, look at log- 
rolling as if it were a political crime. It is 
nothing of the sort. It is giving up something 
you don’t want for something that you need 
very badly, and as long as there is no dis- 
honesty in the transaction I can see no harm 
being done. You have got to reconcile 
conflicting interests, and if you do so with 
a good motive I think you are serving your 
country.” 

'' That sounds very well, Mr. Carlton,” said 
the insistent Barry, ''but I don’t believe it’s 
the way the founders of the Republic would 
have talked. I don’t think you can make real 
patriots believe in that sort of thing.” 

301 


BARRY WYNN 


Mr. Carlton did a remarkable thing. He 
burst out laughing. Barry looked annoyed. 
His feelings were ruffled. 

My dear Barry/’ said the Congressman, 
your assertion does not really need an an- 
swer. You have furnished it yourself.” 

In what way? ” 

‘‘ By your reference to the founders of the 
Republic. You believe, don’t you, that Alex- 
ander Hamilton and Thomas Jefferson were 
high-minded men and loved their country?” 

I certainly do.” 

'' Well, then, let me tell you that the vote 
in Congress by which the city of Washington 
was decided upon as the capital of the nation 
was the result of a compromise between these 
two men.” 

I think I ’ve heard something about that, 
but I never thought there was anything in it.” 

There ’s everything in it,” was the prompt 
retort. '' The people of today have no idea 
of the bitterness that was engendered during 
the fight to locate the capital of the Republic. 

302 


WHAT BARRY OVERHEARD 


Every city in the middle states desired it, and 
immense sums of money were offered for the 
privilege of securing the capital city. The 
Eastern states had openly threatened seces- 
sion, and their Northern and Southern mem- 
bers were so bitter that they would not meet 
together for the transaction of public business. 
Hamilton and Jefferson happened to meet one 
day and between them they arranged a compro- 
mise by which the present city of Washington, 
in the District of Columbia, was selected as 
the capital. The compromise was effected by 
the Northern states agreeing to the capital 
being placed on the Potomac river on condition 
that the Southern states should consent that 
the debt of the creditor states should be as- 
sumed by the national Government. The whole 
affair was patched up at a dinner given by 
Thomas Jefferson.’' 

Conway interposed with a gesture of mock 
despair. 

Barry surrenders. Anyhow, he did n’t 
know that he was laying himself open for a 

303 


BARRY WYNN 

lecture on the early history of the Gov- 
ernment/' 

The two men separated laughingly, and Con- 
way promised to be on hand if it were possible 
for him to render any assistance in the final 
consideration of the Cleverly bill. 

Before Barry Wynn left the Capitol that 
day, Mr. Carlton suggested that it would be a 
good idea for him to be on hand at the meeting 
of the Committee on Naval Affairs the follow- 
ing afternoon. 

'' It is impossible to foretell just what may 
happen," he said, '' and I would like you to be 
near by in case it is necessary for me to send 
out any messages." 

Barry promised and went home that night 
with his mind very much absorbed in the ques- 
tion of the bill which was to come up for final 
consideration on the following day. He met 
Joe Hart at his boarding house that night, and 
after dinner the little fellow told him that he 
had been given a message to deliver to Senator 
Graves at the Cosmopolis Hotel that evening. 

304 


WHAT BARRY OVERHEARD 


“ I ’ll go with you,” said Barry. I ’m 
through with the shorthand school, and I feel 
too restless to stay in the house tonight.” 

So the two boys walked down Pennsylvania 
Avenue together to the hotel. Joe went to the 
desk and informed the clerk that he had a mes- 
sage to deliver to Senator Graves. 

I am sorry,” said the clerk, but the Sen- 
ator is not in now. We expect him back in 
about half an hour, if you care to wait that 
long.” 

Joe realized that there was nothing to do 
under the circumstances but to wait. He 
walked around the corridor of the hotel for a 
while with Barry, but finally the boys became 
tired and sat down together on a cushioned seat 
that had been built around one of the great col- 
umns in the lobby of the hotel. It was very com- 
fortable and they enjoyed it very much indeed. 
The Cosmopolis was one of the leading hotels of 
the capital, and important men were walking 
in and out all the time. It was quite comfort- 
able in the lobby and after a while the boys 

305 


BARRY WYNN 


ceased talking. Presently Joe, boy-like, went 
to sleep. Barry was in a half doze himself 
when he was suddenly aroused by the sound of 
a familiar voice: 

Carlton’s bill is going to be taken up by 
the Committee at three o’clock tomorrow 
afternoon.” 

Barry’s eyes opened wide. He was thor- 
oughly awake, but he did not move nor speak. 
He sat perfectly still. Presently the voice 
sounded again: 

He thinks he is going to get it through, 
but we will have to give him a surprise party.” 

Someone answered this sally, but in such a 
low voice that the reply could not be understood 
by the listening page. 

There was silence for some time after this 
and Barry, moving very slowly and cautiously, 
peered round the corner of the big pillar, and 
was rewarded by a sight of the men on the 
other side of the column. One was Jesse Hud- 
son, the other was Joel Phipps, and the third 
was a man he did not know. Barry quickly 
306 


WHAT BARRY OVERHEARD 

dodged back to his former position and listened 
very quietly in the hope of hearing more of the 
conversation. It was unsatisfactory. He only 
got fragments of the talk. Occasionally Hud- 
son raised his voice, but the stranger invariably 
answered in a whisper. The boy snuggled up 
closer in the hope of getting some telltale 
phrase. In a moment he was rewarded to some 
extent : 

It hinges on Warrington,’' said Hudson. 

But he 's for the bill,” whispered the un- 
known man. 

‘‘ Yes,” muttered Hudson, but he must stay 
away.” 

I don’t think you can get him to do that” 

I think we can.” 

‘‘ I doubt it very much.” 

I don’t,” was the confident rejoinder. 

You know that Warrington loves a good 
dinner? ” 

In a few moments the three men walked 
away, leaving the boys alone on the cushioned 
seat. By this time Senator Graves had arrived 

307 


BARRY WYNN 


at the hotel and Joe Hart was enabled to de- 
liver his message. Barry did not confide the 
conversation he had overheard to Joe Hart. 
He wondered what it all meant. He wondered 
whether he should tell Mr. Carlton about it. 
After considerable thought he concluded that 
it was not very important after all and that, in 
any event, the Congressman was able to take 
care of himself. But at intervals during the 
night he kept hearing a familiar voice saying: 

‘‘ You know that Warrington loves a good 
dinner ! ’’ 


308 


CHAPTER XXIV 


THE LAST STAND 

Barry Wynn awoke the following morning 
with a confused recollection of what he had 
heard behind the big column in the Cosmopolis 
Hotel. But in the clear light of day it did not 
take him long to determine what he should do. 
He resolved to tell the story to Mr. Carlton for 
just what it was worth. 

Immediately after breakfast he hastene3 
to the Capitol, but was disappointed to learn 
that the Congressman would not be in his office 
until noon. Barry waited until that hour only 
to find that it would not be possible for Mr. 
Carlton to see anyone until later in the day. 
The boy was in a fever of impatience by this 
time. He hardly knew what to do. He knew 
that the Committee on Naval Affairs was to 
meet at three o’clock and he resolved to stand 
at the door of the Committee room and inter- 
309 


BARRY WYNN 


cept Mr. Carlton as he went into the meeting. 
It was a minute after the appointed time when 
the familiar form of the Congressman came 
swinging down the corridor in double-quick 
time. 

Mr. Carlton ! Mr. Carlton ! ’’ cried the boy. 

Hello, Barry,’’ responded the statesman, 
but without stopping. 

The young page ran after him and caught 
him by the sleeve. 

There is something I want to tell you — 
something important,” he panted. 

The Congressman slackened his pace with- 
out stopping. 

Well, what is it? You must speak quickly. 
I ’m in a mighty big hurry.” 

I heard — I heard,” gasped Barry, trying 
to talk and keep pace with his friends at the 
same time, ‘‘ I heard that Mr. Hudson was 
going to try and defeat your bill today.” 

John Carlton laughed. 

I ’ve heard that myself a dozen times. I 
can’t say it ’s news.” 


310 


THE LAST STAND 


But they talked it over last night,” per- 
sisted the boy. I heard them — while I was 
at the hotel.” 

I don’t doubt it,” retorted the other, 
wearily, and if I stay here talking to you any 
longer they ’ll cook my goose sure enough.” 

'' But I have more I must tell you. I ’m 
sure — ” 

Not now,” interrupted Carlton. 

With that he hurried into the room where 
nearly all of the members of the Committee had 
assembled. Barry was in despair. He tried to 
tell his news and failed. In the meantime Joel 
Phipps, the clerk, was calling the roll to ascer- 
tain whether a quorum of the Committee was 
in attendance. Barry, at his post in the door- 
way, could see Mr. Carlton flitting about from 
one member to another. 

While he stood there Felix Conway came 
along and greeted him cordially. The sight of 
that beaming countenance was to the boy like 
a grateful rain upon a parched desert. What 
he had tried to tell the Congressman he could 

311 


BARRY WYNN 


impart to Conway’s receptive ears. Felix lis- 
tened in silence. At the conclusion of the nar- 
rative he gave a prolonged whistle. 

''Did you tell this to John Carlton?” he 
demanded. 

" I tried to, but I could n’t get him to listen.” 

" Oh. I suppose he was so busy that he 
did n’t know what you were talking about.” 

" That ’s right. I don’t think he knew what 
I meant.” 

" I wonder how we can reach him ? ” asked 
Felix; then almost immediately answering his 
own question, he said : 

" Thank goodness, he ’s coming out now.” 

Carlton was slowly making his way to the 
door. It was evident from his looks and his 
manner that something was wrong. His fore- 
head was drawn and his eyebrows contracted 
with a frown. There was a grayish look about 
the corners of his mouth. It was rare in- 
deed for this self-contained man to show such 
emotion. 

" Well,” exclaimed Conway, anticipating 
312 


THE LAST STAND 


him, how are things going? Have you got 
your majority of three? 

The Congressman shook his head with a ges- 
ture of disgust. 

'' No — they Ve got Curwood. I was sure 
he was with me last night, but he tells me now 
that he is going to vote against the bill.’’ 

'' But that still leaves you a majority of one.” 

Carlton wagged his head again. 

'' It would if all my supporters were here — 
but one ’s away.” 

Who is he?” 

'' Warrington.” 

Conway slapped Barry on the back. 

That proves your story, my boy.” 

''What story?” asked Carlton, quickly. 

" The story Wynn was trying to tell you 
when you went into the meeting.” 

He smiled in a melancholy way. 

" I was so distracted that I did n’t really 
know what Barry was trying to say.” 

Prompted by the journalist, the page boy 
himself repeated what he had heard in the 

313 


BARRY WYNN 


hotel lobby the night before. As he concluded, 
Conway exclaimed: 

What do you think of that? ” 

'' I ’m fighting a resourceful crowd,” ad-’ 
mitted Carlton, sorrowfully. 

Before he had finished the sentence, Con- 
way had rushed over to a telephone booth and 
had the receiver at his ear. He was back in a 
minute, his face flushed. 

'' I Ve had Warrington’s apartments. His 
housekeeper tells me that he went to Wynn- 
wood this morning. He told her he would take 
dinner there and return in time for the meeting 
of your Committee this afternoon. Barry,” he 
concluded, get me a suburban timetable.” 

Quickly the page boy returned with a rail- 
road schedule. Conway looked it over fever- 
ishly. He gave a groan. 

''What’s the matter?” asked Carlton. 

" There ’s only one train out of that one - 
horse town this afternoon.” 

" I guess one train is sufficient to carry War- 
rington,” retorted Carlton, with forced gaiety. 
314 


THE LAST STAND 


Yes/’ said the other, dropping the time- 
table with a gesture of disgust, ‘‘ but it won't 
leave Wynnwood until half-past four. That 
means that he can’t get here until after five 
o’clock.” 

‘'What does that mean?” asked the Con- 
gressman, anxiously. 

“ It means that your bill is beaten unless you 
can have it amended tomorrow.” 

“ That ’s out of the question,” admitted the 
other, “ tomorrow is the last day of the ses- 
sion, and it will be a physical impossibility to 
have the general bill reopened for changes of 
any kind.” 

“ Do you believe in Warrington? ” asked the 
journalist. 

“ As I believe in myself. He ’s careless, but 
he ’s as true as steel. He ’s gone away in the 
full belief that he would get back in time. I ’d 
stake my life on his loyalty.” 

“ When will the Committee reach your bill? ” 

“ By four o’clock at the latest. There are 
only two bills ahead of it.” 

315 


BARRY WYNN 


How long will it take to dispose of it ? 

I should say it will either be passed or killed 
by half-past four/’ 

Conway shook his fist at an imaginary foe. 

The rascals ! They Ve timed it perfectly.” 

How?” 

‘‘ Warrington will only be taking the train 
for Washington at that time.” 

Conway paced the width of the corridor two 
or three times. Suddenly he paused, a look of 
resolution in his eyes. 

‘‘Is debate restricted to the Committee?” 
he asked, unexpectedly. 

“ No.” 

“ Then, by Jove, I think I have it. It ’s only 
a chance in a thousand, but it ’s worth trying.” 

During the next few minutes the journalist 
showed the latent possibilities that reposed be- 
neath his placid exterior. He hustled Barry to 
his rooms for certain papers. Joe Hart, who 
happened along, was hurried off on another 
errand. All the while Conway was talking in 
quick, jerky, excited whispers to John Carlton. 

316 


THE LAST STAND 


Barry and Joe returned about the same time, 
loaded down with reports and pamphlets. 
These were placed in the arms of the aston- 
ished Congressman. 

'' Now, Carlton,” was the farewell greeting 
of the correspondent, I ’m going to take Barry 
with me. I may need him. Joe Hart will stay 
here in case you need his services. In the 
meantime, good-bye and good luck.” 

He was off like a flash. John Carlton re- 
turned to the Committee room and silently took 
his seat. His quiet demeanor surprised Hud- 
son. He looked for an outbreak of some sort. 
But, instead the man from Maine sat there as 
mute as though he had been deprived of the 
power of speech. 

'' Takes defeat better than I expected,” whis- 
pered Hudson to his neighbor. 

Oh,” was the confident rejoinder, he sees 
he ’s up against it and knows there 's no use 
in making a fight.” 

The Committee proceeded with its work me- 
chanically. The two bills that were ahead of 

317 


BARRY WYNN 


the Cleverly measure were taken up in their 
order. The sponsor of the first one was about 
to make some remarks in its favor when the 
Chairman said that as there did not appear to 
be any opposition to the bill, there was scarcely 
any need for debate. Carlton was on his feet 
at once. 

I think the gentleman should have the 
privilege of saying what he pleases.’’ 

No one objected, and the legislator proceeded 
to orate for the space of fifteen minutes. It 
was that much time killed. The Committee 
voted unanimously to incorporate his measure 
in the naval programme, which would after- 
wards have to go in the general appropriation 
bill. The second bill was favorably reported 
without debate. 

The hands of the clock pointed to four when 
the Committee took up the Cleverly measure. 
Carlton made a masterly speech in its favor. 
But the speech consumed a half hour, which 
many of the Committee considered an insuffer- 
ably long time. After that Hudson and two of 
318 


THE LAST STAND 


his friends made short, snappy three-minute 
speeches against the bill. As the last man 
sat down Hudson called for a vote on the 
proposition. 

But Carlton was on his feet, holding aloft 
a protesting arm. 

'' One minute, Mr. Chairman,'' he cried, I 
can't permit the remarks of these gentlemen 
to go unanswered. It would not be fair to my 
constituents to do so. I am told that you pro- 
pose to defeat this bill. Very well. But, be- 
fore you do so, I demand the right to place 
myself on record." 

Cries of “ Hear ! hear ! Go on " and '' Give 
the man a chance," greeted this opening. 

The Chairman nodded a reluctant consent, 
and John Carlton began his speech against 
time. His desk was piled high with papers, 
pamphlets, and books. Thus fortified, he gave 
the members an exhibition of old-fashioned, 
backwoods oratory. Whenever he was at a 
loss for a new idea he would reach over, pick 
up a book and begin to read extracts from some 

319 


BARRY WYNN 


ancient report. He sketched the art of build- 
ing navies from its beginning down to the pres- 
ent era. He read portions of messages from 
the great architects of the past and present. 
Finally, he discussed the character of naval 
stations which should be erected by the United 
States Government. 

The opposition members were becoming rest- 
less. Already three quarters of an hour had 
been consumed, and they wanted to bring the 
matter to a conclusion. They knew that they 
had the votes and they wanted to defeat the 
bill and have done with it. 

I call time,’' shouted one of them, the 
gentleman is talking in the most trivial 
manner.” 

Carlton simulated intense indignation. 

The member is insulting,” he shouted. 

'' I call for a vote,” retorted the other. 

That 's gag law,” declared the member 
from Cleverly in his most dramatic style, and 
I hope that it will never be said that such law 
was ever invoked by this Committee.” 

320 


THE LAST STAND 

The result of this tirade was an extension 
of time. He talked until his voice became 
husky, all the while watching the hands of the 
clock. They seemed to crawl around at a 
snaiFs pace. But time moves on in spite of 
men and mice. Soon the timepiece pointed 
to ten minutes of five. Carlton talked on. The 
hands reached five minutes of five. The states- 
man continued his rambling discourse. The 
clock struck five. At that Hudson arose in 
a rage. He could risk no more delay. 

'' I insist upon an immediate vote,’' he 
shouted. 

And I demand a roll call on the request,” 
retorted Carlton. 

Everybody knew that this was a dilatory 
motion. But the purpose was accomplished. 
Three or four more minutes were wasted. 
Then the inevitable came. The final call of the 
roll on whether Cleverly was to have its Naval 
Repair Station was ordered. 

Carlton sank in his seat exhausted. He had 
come to the end of his resources. He knew 
321 


BARRY WYNN 


only too well that he was short one vote. Joel 
Phipps with his sing-song voice did his work 
expeditiously. Four-fifths of the names had 
been called and Conway had not come with 
his promised relief. Carlton gave one last 
anxious look at the door. No one was in sight. 
He gave a sigh — the sigh of a defeated man, 
and waited in a perfunctory way for the con- 
clusion of the roll call. 


322 


CHAPTER XXV 


A RACE AGAINST TIME 

After their talk with John Carlton, Barry 
and Felix left the meeting room together, and, 
hurrying down the corridor, emerged on the 
plaza fronting the Southern side of the Capi- 
tol. The boy was all a-quiver with excitement. 

‘‘ What did you mean by dumping all of those 
reports on John Carlton ? ’’ he asked. 

Conway laughed joyously. 

That ’s food for thought. He must feed it 
out to the Committee by degrees.’’ 

'‘What good will it do?” asked Barry, 
skeptically. 

" It will postpone the vote on the Cleverly 
bill.” 

“ But the postponement won’t do any good 
unless Warrington gets here.” 

" You ’ve hit the nail on the head.” 

Barry had confidence in the resourcefulness 

323 


BARRY WYNN 


of the journalist. He felt sure that he had con- 
ceived some brilliant plan by which Warring- 
ton could be instantly and miraculously — if 
you will — delivered to Carlton. He wondered 
why Conway did not tell him all about it. His. 
hints had not given him much satisfaction. So 
he spoke bluntly: 

‘‘ What are you trying to do? 

The honest blue eyes of Felix twinkled. Per- 
plexity was drowned in merriment. He threw 
up both hands in a gesture of abandonment. 

Blest if I know!’’ 

Barry was so amazed at this imexpected 
reply that he stood stock still at the foot of the 
Capitol steps. 

You don’t know! ” he interrogated in a re- 
proachful tone. 

No,” replied the other, putting his hands 
in his pockets, and raising himself up and down 
on his heels, '' I don’t know.” 

And you left Mr, Carlton believing that you 
would be back with Warrington at your heels.” 

It was the only thing to do. You must 

324 


A RACE AGAINST TIME 


never say die, my boy. Fight to the last ditch, 
but never surrender. There is always the pos- 
sibility that something may turn up. The first 
and most important factor in this fight was 
delay. We Ve secured that. How long Carl- 
ton will hold that crowd is more than I can pre- 
dict. After that we need an additional vote. 
The vote is at Wynn wood.’’ 

"‘Yes, I know all about that — but I don’t 
see how this talk is going to help,” cried Barry, 
irritably. 

“ Nor do I,” responded the imperturbable 
Irishman, “ but do you know that sometimes in 
the mere act of stating a difficulty you discover 
a way out of it.” 

The boy laughed in spite of himself. 

“ There ’s no way of getting to Wynn wood 
— no trains, I mean,” he said. 

“ Quite right, and Wynn wood, being obsti- 
nate, won’t come to us.” 

“If we could locate a wireless operator, we 
might flash a message to Warrington,” said 
Barry, banteringly. 


325 


BARRY WYNN 


'' Yes/’ assented the other, '' or if we could 
pick up a flying machine that was n’t otherwise 
engaged, it might help some.” 

The boy gave a gesture of dismay. 

While we ’re out here fooling, Mr. Carl- 
ton is probably talking himself hoarse.” 

Conway suddenly broke away from Barry 
and started across the asphalted street. 

'' I ’ve got it ! ” he shouted. '' I ’ve got it ! 
The very thing ! ” 

“What is it? ” cried the boy, running after 
him. 

“ Look across the street,” responded the cor- 
respondent, breathlessly, “ do you see that big 
automobile, and do you see that red-haired 
youth in the front seat ? ” 

“ Yes, but I don’t see the connection — 
yet.” 

“ You will in a second. That ’s Danny 
Burns. He was in my class at Georgetown. 
He ’s the only son of one of the rubber kings. 
He has all kinds of wealth ; money to burn, and 
oceans of time to consume it.” 

326 


A RACE AGAINST TIME 


Before Barry could reply, Conway was hail- 
ing the young man in the automobile : 

Danny ! Danny ! ” 

The red-haired one turned around indolently. 

'' Why, hello, you rascal, what 's the matter? 
Running a foot race, or is the world on fire? 

Neither, you time-killer. I want you to 
give me a ride in your machine.’' 

Well, of all the cheek you — ” 

You 've invited me fifty times,” interrupted 
Felix. 

'' Yes, and you Ve declined forty-nine.” 

Hurry up, or I may change my mind.” 

Jump in,” shouted the young millionaire. 

In a thrice Conway and Barry were in the 
machine. After the newspaper man had pre- 
sented the boy, the amateur chauffeur turned 
to Felix: 

Where to?” 

'' Straight South, and I '11 tell you all about 
it as we go.” 

As the big touring car whizzed along, the 
newspaper man told his college chum the story 

327 


BARRY WYNN 


of the Cleverly bill. He explained the plight 
of John Carlton and told of the mysterious dis- 
appearance of Congressman Warrington. The 
question was whether it would be possible to 
reach Wynnwood and return to Washington 
before the meeting of the Committee was 
concluded. 

The love of adventure was strong in Danny 
Burns’ veins, and he listened with eager in- 
terest. When Felix finished his story, Danny 
turned the steering wheel over to Conway 
while he consulted road maps and made cal- 
culations regarding the possibility of land- 
ing Warrington in Washington at the time 
appointed. 

Say, Danny,” cried Felix, as he reluctantly 
took hold of the wheel, I don’t know a blessed 
thing about this machine. I wish you ’d run it 
yourself.” 

Oh, it ’s only for a few minutes. If a 
chicken or a rabbit gets in your way, run over 
it. If it ’s a cow, turn aside. We don’t v^ant 
to help the trusts by sending beef any higher ; 

328 


A RACE AGAINST TIME 

besides it might scratch the varnish on the 
car/’ 

For a man that knew nothing whatever of 
motoring, Felix did fairly well. Once the ma- 
chine threatened to run into a barbed wire 
fence, and again it skidded on a slippery stretch 
of road, but otherwise he managed it very cred- 
itably. He was glad enough when the owner 
of the car relieved him. 

I figure it out that Wynnwood is nearly 
twenty miles from Washington. Now if we 
can keep up our speed both ways and do not 
meet with any mishaps, there is a bare possi- 
bility that we may win out — just a bare 
possibility.” 

Felix groaned. 

‘‘ That means we ’re beaten,” he said. 
'' When a confirmed optimist becomes cautious, 
it makes me believe the jig ’s up.” 

What time must you be back?” asked 
Burns, ignoring the reference to himself. 

Well, the bill should come up at four 
o’clock.” 

329 


BARRY WYNN 


“ Well, that ’s what I based my calculation 
upon. You see, it’s after three o’clock 
now.” 

Barry, who had been listening to the conver- 
sation, now spoke: 

“ I think, Mr. Burns,” he said, '' that Mr. 
Carlton will keep the votes back until some 
time after four o’clock.” 

'' Good,” cried the young man, every min- 
ute saved in that way is a minute gained.” 

Sure,” responded Conway, recovering his 
hopeful manner at once, and if Danny could 
gain a few minutes more with this old tin can 
of a motor car, we ’d come mighty near win- 
ning the race.” 

Danny’s answer was characteristic of that 
spoiled darling of fortune. He pulled the lever 
back one or two notches and the machine shot 
ahead as though it were possessed of a thou- 
sand furies, each one urging the other on to 
greater excesses. The shock threw Conway 
against the cushions and made him shake his 
fist at his friend in pretended anger. As for 

330 


A RACE AGAINST TIME 


Barry, the sudden rush of the machine fairly 
took his breath away. 

They were out in the open country now 
on a great waste of level land where speed 
laws could be ignored with impunity. They 
soon went so swiftly that intelligible conver- 
sation was out of the question. The young 
page boy was enjoying it to the fullest. 
There was something exhilarating about it 
that made him close his eyes and breathe 
a long-drawn sigh of utter contentment. 
He was perfectly satisfied to remain quiet 
and drink in the joys of this wonderful 
ride. 

But even the whizzing of the wind was not 
sufficient to keep the youthful owner of the car 
from talking. From time to time he shouted 
in Conway’s ear, taunting him with being an 
old fogy and offering to bet anything from 
a red apple to a hundred-dollar bill that he 
could drive the next mile faster than he had 
driven the last one. Felix, who was in 
momentary fear that the machine would be 

331 


BARRY WYNN 


wrecked and that they would all lose their 
lives, permitted the jibe of his friend to go 
unanswered. 

But the longest journeys have their end, and 
presently the village of Wynnwood hove in 
sight. Danny Burns said he knew it, because 
once, while suffering from temporary aber- 
ration of the mind, he had gone fishing there. 
He said the only house in the place was the old 
fisherman’s cottage where unfortunate visi- 
tors were regaled with country dinners at New 
York prices. 

So, being well acquainted with the locality, 
Danny kept his machine in motion until it 
reached the front door of the Ancient Mariner 
of the village. It had scarcely stopped before 
there was a scampering of feet within and War- 
rington ran out on the porch, very red in the 
face and too angry almost for coherent speech. 
The recognition of Conway caused him to emit 
a shriek of delight. 

Felix,” he cried, ‘‘ you ’re an angel in 
disguise ! ” 


332 



rhe young page boy was enjoying it to the fullest 

See page 331 



r 


A RACE AGAINST TIME 


Why ? ’’ asked the wise one, with pretended 
innocence. 

I ’ve got to get back to Washington at once. 
I promised Carlton I M vote for his bill. When 
I accepted an invitation to eat a dinner here 
today I had no idea that there were no trains 
back until four o’clock. I Ve been telephoning 
everywhere for a conveyance, but all in vain.” 

It ’s all right,” said Conway, quietly, we 
came here to take you back to Washington — 
that is, if you want to go.” 

'' Want to go,” he retorted, angrily, don’t 
you dare to insinuate — ” 

'' I insinuate nothing,” was the quiet rejoin- 
der, '' but Barry Wynn heard some things last 
night that convinced me that you would be 
unable to reach the meeting today unless we 
came here with a motor car.” 

Something about Conway’s manner rather 
than his words, caught the Congressman. 

'' It was a scheme on the part of Hudson’s 
crowd then, was n’t it ? I ’ve tried hard not 
to think so. Conway, I thank you and the boy 
333 


BARRY WYNN 


and your friend. Please put on steam. I want 
to save that bill if I can. If I fail, I give you 
my word that I ’ll make all Washington howl! ” 

In ten minutes they had started on their re- 
turn journey. Burns drove his car at a rate 
that was simply scandalous. The machine ate 
up the road. It consumed mile after mile like a 
glutton whose appetite grows with what it feeds 
upon. Astonished farmers stood at their gate 
posts and gazed after the queer quartette and 
wondered if they were escaped lunatics. And 
Danny Burns, whose recklessness had passed 
into a proverb, sat there cherubic with delight. 
Conway looked at his watch. He smiled his 
satisfaction. He leaned over to his friend and 
shouted in his ear : 

'' Keep it up ! You ’re doing fine ! You made 
the last mile in less than a minute.” 

At that moment there was a loud report, like 
the shot of a rifle. There was an unaccount- 
able slowing down of speed and the machine 
began to limp along like a runner whose breath 
is exhausted. 


334 


A RACE AGAINST TIME 


What ’s the matter ? inquired Barry. 

'' Nothing/' was the philosophical retort, 
except that we 've burst a tire." 

In a few minutes Danny had all of them at 
work. Warrington, perspiring like a stoker 
in a fire-room, was jacking up the axle of the 
machine, while Barry was pulling away on the 
extra tire which the discreet Burns always car- 
ried on the back of his car. 

Presently everything was as good as new, 
but as they started off Felix happened to glance 
at his watch, and what he discovered made 
him thump his breastbone in unavailing anger. 
It was half-past four o'clock, and according to 
schedule the Committee should be through with 
the Cleverly bill. He said nothing, because the 
time for talk had passed. 

Presently they came near to the city limits 
and instead of slowing down, the reckless 
driver increased his speed. On and on they 
whizzed until Barry's head ached from the 
new sensation. They bounced up and down 
on their seats as though they were rub- 
335 


BARRY WYNN 

ber balls. A clock in the steeple struck 
five. 

Every one in the car felt that the Cleverly 
bill was dead and buried by this time. But 
they kept on with a grim taciturnity that would 
have been worthy of bigger men in a greater 
cause. Just as they came within view of the 
Capitol a young lady, followed by a fluffy little 
dog, crossed the track of the car. With a trial 
for homicide staring him in the face, Danny 
Burns acted with great promptness. He 
twisted the machine out of its course and un- 
doubtedly saved the life of the girl, not to 
speak of the dog. 

The car skidded up the side of the little park, 
the centre of which was ornamented with a 
miniature pond for the cultivation of lilies. 
The sudden twist of the steering gear gave the 
machine a terrific jolt. It did more than that. 
It threw Felix Conway and Congressman War- 
rington over the dasher and into the midst of the 
pond lilies. Barry, with the ingenuity of boy- 
hood, clung desperately to his seat in the car. 
33d 


A RACE AGAINST TIME 


By very good fortune, neither of the men 
were injured and they were able to con- 
tinue their journey. But their personal ap- 
pearance was a sight to excite the jeers of 
the frivolous — sopping wet and fantastically 
decorated with the clinging leaves of the water 
lilies. 

A few minutes later the doors of the Com- 
mittee room were thrown open and Barry 
Wynn and Danny Burns hurried into the meet- 
ing, closely followed by Felix Conway and Con- 
gressman Warrington. The big statesman was 
coatless. His hair was in disorder, and one 
end of his collar had been torn from the button. 
Add to this the fact that the water was drip- 
ping from his clothes and that he was fighting 
mad, and the rest of the scene may be imagined. 
The clerk, apparently, had just ceased calling 
the roll. 

Mr. Chairman,’’ shouted Warrington, '' I 
desire to record my vote on the Cleverly Naval 
Station bill.” 

There was a tense silence, and then, after a 
337 


BARRY WYNN 


moment's deliberation, the presiding officer said 
in a hard, cold tone : 

“ I 'm very sorry, but the gentleman is too 
late. The vote has just been taken and the bill 
is defeated." 

Barry felt as if he would crumple up and fall 
on the floor in a heap. Danny Burns made his 
contribution to the general grief in one sen- 
tence. He said: 

‘‘ It 's a beastly shame ! " 

But John Carlton evidently had an inspira- 
tion. He was on his feet in an instant. 

“ I move that the vote by which the Cleverly 
bill was defeated be reconsidered." 

The Chairman looked at him reproach- 
fully. 

'' The gentleman surely knows that a motion 
to reconsider can only be made by a person who 
has voted in the negative." 

Who voted against your bill, John? " cried 
Warrington, in fine disregard of parliamentary 
law. 

‘‘ Curwood, for one." 

338 


A RACE AGAINST TIME 


Warrington lurched over to Curwood. He 
faced him in a menacing attitude. 

'' Move to reconsider/’ he shouted, hoarsely. 

Before Curwood realized what he was doing, 
he had made the motion. The vote to recon- 
sider carried and then the bill was once more 
placed before the members of the Committee. 
When Warrington’s name was called, his loud 
aye ” reverberated through the capital. The 
clerk handed the tally to the Chairman. He 
put on his glasses and read it to the members : 

The new Naval Repair Station for Clev- 
erly carries by a vote of lo to 9.” 

Amid the applause that followed, John Carl- 
ton threw his arms around the lily-bespattered 
form of Warrington and actually hugged him. 
Barry, on his part, shook hands hysterically 
with Conway and then with Danny Burns, and 
all three seemed to enjoy the performance very 
much. 


339 


CHAPTER XXVI 


THE HOME COMING 

It was the last day of the session, and every- 
one at the Capitol was laboring under a great 
strain. The national legislators, with charac- 
teristic unwisdom, were trying to crowd the 
work of three or four weeks into three or four 
hours. 

Several important bills remained to be acted 
upon. One of these was the General Appro- 
priation bill, which included among its numer- 
ous items, a provision to pay for the erection 
of the Naval Repair Station at Cleverly. 

As John Carlton was going into the Capitol 
with Barry Wynn by his side, Felix Conway 
greeted the man and the boy: 

How are you feeling after the battle? he 
cried. 

Fine,” was the genial response of the 
Congressman. 


340 


THE HOME COMING 


Do you think your bill will go through all 
right this morning? ’’ 

'' Sure! It becomes a part of what we call 
the omnibus bill, and as that measure provides 
for a dozen different objects, I think there will 
be a general disposition to let it go through 
without any further change/’ 

Conway shook his head. 

That sounds all right, but if I were you 
I ’d keep my eye on Hudson.” 

'' Oh, Hudson ’s all right,” declared Carlton, 

he assured me a little while ago that he would 
vote for the bill.” 

Conway looked puzzled. 

'' Well, that ’s funny,” he said, finally. 

‘‘ Nothing funny about it. Why, at the ses- 
sion only last night I voted for a bill that he 
was interested in.” 

The journalist seemed petrified with aston- 
ishment. When he was able to voice his feel- 
ing he emitted two startled words : 

You did!” 

Certainly, I did. It was a proper bill and 
341 


BARRY WYNN 


one that should have been passed. I harbor 
no resentment against Hudson. He is human, 
that ’s all ; only he was a little more human 
than most people. He thought I had done him 
a wrong and he tried to get even with me. I 
must admit that I do not particularly admire 
his methods, but I can assure you that I cherish 
no resentment whatever against him.” 

Conway whistled — his favorite way of ex- 
pressing unusual emotion. 

‘'What did Hudson say when you voted 
with him ? ” 

Carlton laughed. 

“ He came over and thanked me. He did 
more than that. He said he was sorry that he 
had struck below the belt and promised me 
he would never do it again.” 

Conway looked at his friend with undis- 
guised admiration. 

“Well,” he said, “it’s no wonder that you 
are successful. A man who is as charitable 
as you are does n’t deserve to have any 
enemies.” 


342 


THE HOME COMING 


The trio laughingly separated, and Carlton 
hurried into the House, followed by his young 
friend. He busied himself at his desk for a 
few minutes and then said : 

Barry, that omnibus bill will go through in 
a few minutes and after it has been signed by 
the Speaker of the House and the President of 
the Senate, I want you to take it in to a gentle- 
man sitting at a desk in that room yonder.” 

He pointed to a little doorway leading to an 
apartment finished in marble. Barry was about 
to ask who the gentleman was when his atten- 
tion was distracted by a Congressman calling 
to him. 

The greatest commotion prevailed in the 
House. Everyone seemed to be doing a differ- 
ent thing at the same time. The Speaker 
pounded his desk; the clerk called the roll; 
members indulged in short, snappy debates, 
while the page boys rushed in every direction, 
tripping over each other’s heels and otherwise 
adding to the general din and confusion. But 
in spite of the appearance of chaos, the mem- 
343 


BARRY WYNN 

bers had settled down to business and were 
engaged in steadily passing upon bills that yet 
remained to be considered. Minor legislation, 
of course, was out of the question. Only three 
or four of the big bills, like the General Appro- 
priation bill, the Naval programme, the Public 
Buildings bill, and the Rivers and Harbors bill, 
were given a place on the calendar. 

The House had been in session about an hour 
when the Speaker summoned Barry Wynn to 
his side. He had a document before him and 
had just finished appending his signature to it. 

Barry,’’ he said, in a kindly tone, take 
this bill over to the presiding officer of the 
Senate and have him place his autograph 
directly below my own.” 

The page boy did as he was told and returned 
in a few minutes. The Clerk of the House, 
who seemed to have eyes in the back of his 
head, beckoned to him as soon as he reached the 
desk. 

'' Go right into that room,” he said, '' and get 
the final signature to this piece of legislation.” 

344 


THE HOME COMING 


Barry wonderingly followed instructions. 
He opened the door leading into the marble 
room and was greeted by a clerk, who motioned 
him toward a pleasant looking gentleman, who 
sat at a big table, signing bills as fast as they 
were handed to him. He told Barry to take a 
seat and glanced over the bill hastily. After 
that he accepted a pen which was handed to 
him by one of the bystanders and placed his 
autograph at the bottom of the bill. It only 
needed a glance to tell Barry that he was once 
again in the presence of the President of the 
United States. He beckoned to Barry. The 
boy went to his side, and the Chief Magistrate 
handed him the pen with which he had signed 
the bill. 

‘‘ My son,’’ he said, '' take this home with 
you as a souvenir. I understand that you have 
been very much interested in this legislation, 
and I think you deserve this little token as a 
reminder of the success of John Carlton and 
yourself.” 

Barry, beaming with delight, hurried to his 
345 


BARRY WYNN 


patron and friend and told him what had taken 
place. The Congressman smiled indulgently. 

'' He told me he would do it/’ he said, in a 
musing tone, '' and I never yet knew him to 
forget a promise.” 

Congress sat in session until very late that 
night, but at the suggestion of Congressman 
Carlton, Barry made arrangements to return 
home on the first train the following day. Mrs. 
Johnson helped him to pack his trunk and he 
left her home-like boarding house with a feel- 
ing of genuine regret. But when he went to 
the train he did not go alone. He took with him 
his good friend and confidant, Joe Hart, who, 
after much urging, had consented to spend a 
fortnight at the Wynn home in Cleverly. To 
the delight of the two boys, John Carlton was 
on the same train and with him was his enthu- 
siastic admirer, Felix Conway. 

All four were destined to be treated to a 
surprise when they reached the little railroad 
station at Cleverly. The train had scarcely 
slowed up when the blare of a brass band was 

346 


THE HOME COMING 


heard, and looking out, the embarrassed Con- 
gressman discovered that almost the entire pop- 
ulation of the city had come to the station to 
welcome him home and to celebrate his success 
in winning the new Naval Repair Station for 
his native place. 

Barry's mother was on the platform, in the 
forefront of the crowd, and he leaped from the 
train and was soon locked in her arms. In the 
meantime the procession was forming ; an open 
barouche, drawn by two black horses, had been 
provided for John Carlton, and Felix Conway, 
because of his loyalty and devotion to Carlton, 
was given a seat beside the Congressman. 
Daniel Smithers, school teacher and philoso- 
pher, was chief marshal of the procession, an 
honor that he carried blushingly and with all 
due modesty. His assistants were Postmaster 
Ford and Hiram Blake. 

Chief Marshal Smithers, as if by inspiration, 
insisted that Barry Wynn and Joe Hart, should 
occupy the other seat in the carriage with Con- 
gressman Carlton and Felix Conway. They 
347 


BARRY WYNN 


climbed in amidst the applause of the crowd, 
and in a few minutes the procession had started 
on its way, while the band played in quick suc- 
cession, ''Hail to the Chief,’' " The Star 
Spangled Banner,” and " There '11 be a Hot 
Time in the Old Town Tonight.” 

Up one street and down another it pro- 
ceeded, the enthusiasm growing more intense 
with each passing minute. Presently they 
passed the home of Barry Wynn, and at that 
point the crowd, as if in sympathy with the sig- 
nificance of the occasion, redoubled its cheers 
and applause. As the barouche, containing the 
four chief persons in the parade, passed on its 
way, Barry instinctively turned his head, and 
the last thing he saw with his tear-dimmed eyes, 
was the figure of his dear mother standing on 
the edge of the porch, frantically waving a tiny 
lace handkerchief. 


348 



First Volume of the “ Gamp and Trail ” Series 


THE YOUNG TIMBER-CRUISERS; 
or Fighting the Spruce Pirates 

By HUGH PENDEXTER 
Author of “Tiberius Smith’’ 

Illustrated by Charles Copeland 
$1.20 net; by mail, $1.32 

The Camp and Trail Series deals with the adventures of two boys, 
Stanley Malcolm and Bub Thomas, in the lumber camps and among 
the forests of Northern Maine. Stanley is a city boy and when the 
reader first meets him, he is just “learning the ropes,” so to speak, 
I among the lumbermen. He and Bub go off on a timber-cruising 
expedition with Abner Whitten, the ablest timber-cruiser of the 
Maine woods, and Noisy Charlie, a most interesting Indian, in 
an endeavor to thwart the efforts of a rival operator who is seeking 
to steal a vast tract of timber land. Stanley’s experiences in learn- 
ing woodcraft and the adventures of the whole party with Big 
Nick, a half-breed, in the employ of the rival operator, as well as 
with other scalawags, make an exciting story, teeming with interest 
for the red-blooded boy, and throughout giving him a vast store of 
actual knowledge of woodcraft. No book could be more fascinating 
reading than “ The Young Timber-Cruisers.” 


SMALL, MAY 

N A R D 

& COMPANY 

P u b 1 i . 

hers, 

Boston 


MORE ADVENTURES OF STANLEY AND BUB 


THE YOUNG GEM-HUNTERS; 
or The Mystery of the Haunted Camp 

By HUGH PENDEXTER 
Author of “The Young Timber-Cruisers,’’ etc. 

Hlustrated by Charles Copeland 
$1.20 net; by mail, $1.32 

In this, the second volume of the Camp and Trail Series, we pur- 
sue the adventures of Stanley and Bub. Few people realize the 
immense variety of precious stones to be found in the State of 
Maine. The story takes the boys through a series of very exciting 
adventures in search of beryl, tourmaline, garnet, fresh water pearls, 
and other immensely valuable jewels which have long been found in 
Maine, but about which the general public is only lately coming to 
be informed. 

Only brief mention can be made of the remaining volumes of the 
“ Camp and Trail ” Series, now in preparation : 

THE YOUNG WOODSMEN; 
or Running Down the Squawtooth Gang 

Here we see the boys at work with the lumbermen preparing the 
winter camp and having a series of stirring adventures with various 
strange marauders. 

THE YOUNG TRAPPERS; 
or The Quest of the Giant Moose 

In this volume the boys are shown with the lumbermen engaged 
in the work of cutting down the trees. The book bristles with 
manly adventure. 

THE YOUNG LOGGERS; 
or The Gray Axeman of Mt. Crow 

Here we see the boys engaged in the great work of getting the 
logs out of the woods to be ready for the spring drive, and here 
again we find them involved in a series of fascinating happenings. 

THE YOUNG RIVER-DRIVERS; 
or Against Heavy Odds 

In this, the sixth and last volume of the Camp and Trail Series, 
we have all the exciting adventures connected with the spring drive 
when after the ice has gone out of the rivers the logs are launched 
in the water and floated down for miles and miles to the mills. 

Each of the foregoing volumes will be illustrated. Price, per vol- 
ume, $1.20 net; by mail, $1.32. 


SMALL, MAY 

N A R D 

& COMPANY 

P u b 1 i 8 

hers, 

Boston 


A STRIKING STORY FOR BOYS 


THE SULTAN’S RIVAL 

By BRADLEY GILMAN 
Author of “A Son of the Desert,” etc., «tc. 

Illustrated by John Cassel 
$1.20 net; by mail, $1.32 

Here the author of “ A Son of the Desert ” and other popular 
books for boys, gives his readers an exciting story of adventure in 
the wild country of Morocco, a book of adventure without brutality, 
a book which maintains high standards of morality, a book which 
can and will be read with enjoyment by all the members of the 
family. 

A boy’s character is greatly determined by the company he keeps; 
Mr. Gilman’s story gives the reader the companionship of two manly 
young fellows in their daring adventures in a wild land among 
savage races. For this reason as well as because the story combines 
a continuous succession of perils and escapes with fascinating 
information about a lawless people and a romantic land, the parent 
who gives anxious thought to his children’s reading will find the 
purchase of a copy of “ The Sultan’s Rival ” a ready solution for his 
problem. 


SMALL, M 

A Y N A R D 

& COMPANY 

Pub 

1 i 8 h e r s, 

Boston 


** I hope this admirable book may have what it deserves s 
the widest circulation among the young people of America.” 

— Gifford Pinchot. 


THE LAND WE LIVE IN 
The Boys’ Book of Conservation 

By OVERTON W. PRICE 
Vice-President National Conservation Association 

With a Foreword by Gifford Pinchot, President National 
Conservation Association 

Illustrated by reproductions of 136 photographs 
Octavo. $1.50 net; by mail, $1.80 

Here is a book that will hold the interest and attention of every 
really manly boy — and womanly girl, too — who is anxious to know 
more about the natural wealth of “ the land we live in ” and who as 
a future voter and taxpayer has a right to know what is being done i 
today and should be done tomorrow to take care of what is left. 

Says Mr. Pinchot in his foreword, “ No people are prouder of 
their country than we Americans, but very few of us have any real 
knowledge about the three million square miles which we call the 
United States, yet there are very few stories so interesting and so , 
well worth hearing as the story of what there is in the land we live 
in ... I have never seen so good a statement of the great con- 
servation problem as this. It tells but half the story to say that this 
is an admirable book for boys and girls. If I may judge from my 
own experience, it is about as good for grown-ups also. . . . This 
country of ours belongs far more truly to the boys and girls than it 
does to us older pepole. They will live in it and enjoy it longer than 
we shall, and everything that happens in it, every bit of waste and 
every saving of waste, will affect their lives more than it does ours. 
We are only the trustees, taking care of the country for them until 
they are ready to take care of it themselves ... It is peculiarly 
appropriate that Mr. Price should have written this book. His expe- 
rience has been exactly what he needed to fit him Jor the task. Mr. 
Price is a forester, and was for many years my right hand in 
the Forest Service. Indeed, if credit could be allotted justly for 
work done, I believe it would be found that he had more to do 
with the success of the Service than I had. In addition to his inti- 
mate knowledge of the whole country acquired in the Forest Service, , 
Mr. Price has been associated with the Conservation movement 
from its very beginning. It was with him that I discussed it first, 
after the idea had occurred to me, and from that time to this little 
has happened in Conservation which has not profited by his wide 
knowledge, remarkable powers of organization and unusual execu- 
tive ability . . . His scientific accuracy is the guarantee for the accur- i 
acy of this book, ... I hope this admirable book may have what it 


SMALL, MAYNARD & COMPANY 
Publishers, Boston 


A book of nation-wide interest and importance. 


THE LAND WE LIVE IN— (Continued) 

deserves, — the widest circulation among the young people of 
America. All the boys and girls who read it while they are young 
will be more useful to the Nation because of it when they grow up; 
and unless I am mistaken, they will thoroughly enjoy reading it 
besides.” 

1 The book is fascinating reading, as the following table of con- 
tents and topics discussed readily suggests : Foreword ; Preface ; 
Chapter One. — America Three Hundred Years Ago: This Country 
Then; What We Owe the Settlers; The Indians Then and the In- 
dians Now; A Picture to Rememoer; The Journey; Home Again; 
Chapter Two. — America Today; Another Journey; The Open 
Country; We Must Live Within Our Means; Not Only the Settlers 
Were Blind; Chapter Three. — How the Forest Is Used, Abroad and 
at Home; In Germany; Elsewhere in Europe; In the Southern Pine 
Belt; Among the Douglas Fir; Logging in the North Woods; The 
Same Nearly Everywhere; We Must Grow Timber or Go Without; 
Chapter Four. — In a National Forest; A Busy Job; The Cowboy; 

The Timber Sale; How the Fires Start; Fighting the Fire; Brave 
Ranger Pulaski ; Fire not the Only Enemy ; The Forester ; Private 
; Forests; Teaching the People; Two Great Tasks; Chapter Five. — 
The Farmers’ Farms and the Nation’s Farm ; Cotton and Corn ; Boys 
the Best Farmers; North and West; We Must Grow What Food 
\Ye Need; The Public Domain; The Sheep Herders and the Cow- 
1 boys; Stock Followed Buffalo; The Range is Being Wasted; The 
Work of the Reclamation Service; Three Great Problems; Chapter 
Six. — The Treasures Underground; In a Coal Mine; Waste of 
' Life and of Coal; The Bureau of Mines; Chapter Seven. — Wild | 
Life: The Roe Deer and the Ranger; A Royal Hunt; The Young 
Germans in New York; How the Game Has Dwindled; Predatory 
Animals Cost Us Dearly; We Can All Help to Save the Game; 
Chapter Eight. — The Rivers; One More Journey; The First Sign 
of Use; Who Will Control the Water Powers?; Other Great Uses; 
Rivers Are Roads; Chapter Nine. — What This Means to Us; The 
Mercnant’s Son; The Farmer's Son; Why Taxes are Higher; The 
Nation and the Government; Chapter Ten. — How We Can Help; 

I Knowing the Game ; Learning the Game ; Organization Counts ; 

I The Railroad; The Police Squad; We Can All Help; Chapter 
' Eleven. — This is Conservation; The Ship of State; A Good Fight; 
j Chapter Twelve. — An Inventory of Natural Resources; Forests; 
j Waters; Lands; Minerals. 

The one hundred and thirty-six photographic illustrations are 
the very pick of over fifty thousand photographs at the command of 
the National Conservation Association, not only in their own nu- 
merous collection and the collections of affiliated societies and indi- 
viduals, but in the immense collections of the Government itself. 


SMALL, MAYNARD & COMPANY 
Publishers, Boston 


Are you a “ fan” ? Then this is the book for YOU I 


THE BIG LEAGUE 

By CHARLES E. VAN LOAN 

AVith a frontispiece and a decorative wrapper in three colors by 

Arthur Covey 
$1.00 net; by mail, $1.10 

Never before has baseball had a portrayer at once so vivid, so 
dramatic and so humorous. “ A good, honest picture of the game, 
says Frank Chance. “ A lot of fun. I’ve read every one of these 

I stories and so have all the boys on the Detroit team, says Wm. E. 
Donovan, of the Detroits. “ The best thing of the kind,” says Mor- 
decai Brown, of the Chicago “ Cubs.” Here is the list : 

I The Crab. “It was Charley Brydon who christened Henry 
Gilman ‘ The Crab He was a great catcher but one day his arm 
went back on him and it looked as if he had made his last throw to 
second. The game of the year came and “ The Crab ” showed that 
his legs were all right — and showed some other things, too. 

II The Low Brow. “When they were dealing out foreheads 
they gave Biff the lowest one they had in stock. Biff was a low brow, 
and he never denied it; but he was also the greatest catcher that 
ever buckled on a wind pad, and he never denied that either.” 

HI The Fresh Guy. “ The freshest young thing that a big-league 
currycomb ever hauled out of the baseball business ” — ^that was 
Potts, a pickup from nowhere, without reputation or standing in the 
world of baseball. But watch him play ball ! 

IV The Quitter. “ The Gamecocks were specialists, welded by a 
baseball genius into the snappiest, scrappiest collection of fence 
breakers, umpire baiters, and * goat-getters ’ in professional baseball.” 
Then they imported a “ quitter ” — a curious kind of “ quitter,” who 
piled up surprise on surprise. 

V The Bush League Demon. “ He’s got a yellow streak,” said 
the old third baseman. “Wait until some one stings him good and 
hard !” And this tells how the “ Demon ” was stung ! 

VI The Cast-off. Walloping pitchers are rare birds. The man 
who can wrap a ball around a batter’s neck and also hit a .340 clip 
from one end of the season to the other is of the extraordinary type. 
That’s the “ Cast-off.” But one thing he lacked — a sense of humor. 

VII The Busher. “Old Reuben Glue’s only son” came to town 
and was introduced to a Big League training squad as the new 
man. You would say he looked like a farmer, on or off the dia- 
mond ; but looks don’t always tell the story. 

VIII A Job for a Pitcher. The Clarksville rooters were delirious 
with joy. Every time the stranger whipped a strike over the plate 
some Clarksville man was sure to yell; “What did you say his name 
was?” And the answer would come like a thunderclap: “ SMITH!” 

IX The Golden Ball of the Argonauts. Old Tom Carson, the 
proprietor of the Golden Eagle Hotel, renews his acquaintance with 
an old baseball antagonist and many things surprise the town of 
Collinsville. 


SMALL, MAY 

WARD 

& COMPANY 

P u b 1 i s 

hers, 

Boston 



lEB 14 1912 


t 


One copy del. to Cat. Div. 


FEB 14 1S12 



